Canada's pursuit of strategic autonomy: the european vector

Amidst a rapidly shifting global landscape, Canada is pursuing strategic autonomy, aiming to bolster its capacity for independent decision-making in defence and foreign policy. Historically deeply integrated with the United States through mechanisms such as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Ottawa now endeavors to diversify its defence partnerships. This strategic reorientation seeks to mitigate reliance on the US, reinforce national security, and augment Canada's international influence. This article analyzes Canada's existing defence partnerships with European allies, identifies the opportunities they present, and examines the challenges the country encounters in this process.