Canada's Involvement in Overseas Conflict: Navigating International Engagement

The purpose of this research is to develop informed recommendations on the appropriate nature and scope of Canada’s future involvement in overseas conflict based on a review and analysis of Canada’s involvement in the past. With conflict around the world increasing in frequency and complexity and the potential for catastrophic consequences, it is more important than ever that the Canadian Government develop appropriate foreign policy for Canada’s involvement in overseas conflict that reflects Canada’s capabilities, including both its strengths and limitations, to ensure that Canada maximizes its influence and positive contribution while minimizing its risks. This research aims to contribute to this development. Using the case studies of Canada’s intended peacekeeping role in former Yugoslavia and nation-building role in Afghanistan, this research means to answer the following: How should Canada’s past involvement in overseas conflict, both diplomatically and militarily, influence its future involvement in overseas conflict? In former Yugoslavia, many Canadian peacekeepers were sent to the region and, working with other states, successfully helped achieve lasting stability. In Afghanistan, the results differed drastically from the former. Canada and its allies faced what ultimately proved to be insurmountable opposition, suffered the loss of substantial human and other resources, and failed to achieve stability and peace. These vastly different cases illustrate the strengths and successes as well as the flaws and shortcomings associated with Canada’s involvement. From that vantage point, this research looks to make informed recommendations on how Canada should address future conflicts to maximize effective, successful participation and minimize its risk, taking into account the available resources and state relations.