What is the federal government asking us to commemorate when it declares next Monday a holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s death? Monarchy? Empire? Colonialism? Class rule? Genetic determination? Unquestioned reverence for the British monarchy is a slap in the face to indigenous peoples and denial of Canada’s role in crimes against humanity committed by... Continue Reading →
An independent Canadian foreign policy is possible
Do circumstances compel Canada to be imperialistic? I have repeatedly been asked some variation of the question “can Canada have a non-aggressive or non-imperialist foreign policy?” At an abstract level the answer is obviously yes. But is that true in practice? What people likely mean when they ask the question is won’t Washington punish... Continue Reading →
‘Left problem’ is not cozying up to bad guys but supporting imperialism
Left media should explore a wide range of critical ideas. But it should try to avoid ‘punching down’ too often. Recently new left outlet The Breach published a long interview with Columbia University PhD student Barnaby Raine “on the resurgence of ‘tankie’ and ‘campist’ politics” titled “Is the enemy of my enemy my friend?” It... Continue Reading →
Haitians march on Canadian Embassy
People everywhere around the world love and respect Canadians, or so we’re told. So how do you explain what’s going on in Haiti? On Sunday protesters in Port-au-Prince marched on the Canadian Embassy. “Madame Boukman — Justice 4 Haiti” posted a video to Twitter showing police in front of Canada’s diplomatic representation in Haiti. Madame... Continue Reading →
Foreign policy nationalism must be named and challenged
It is easy to love your country. The messages encouraging patriotism are everywhere. And it fulfills a need to belong. But nationalism in our foreign policy is a major obstacle to a more just world. Reaction to the recent United Nations Security Council vote and opposition campaign highlights “Team Canada” thinking among progressives. Some on... Continue Reading →
In the struggle against racism and police violence, we can’t forget the victims of imperialism
As recent events in the US, Canada and elsewhere demonstrate the world has a cop problem. Police act as if they are above the law; they lie to justify their actions; they especially target Black and indigenous people; they seem to care more about protecting property than people. Interestingly this is also a description of... Continue Reading →
Security Council loss is opportunity to develop a more just foreign policy
Ottawa’s failure to gain a seat on the United Nations Security Council is a victory for those seeking a more just Canadian foreign policy. Spurred by the no Canada on Security Council campaign, the loss offers a unique opportunity to push for a fundamental reassessment of this country’s activities and relationships in every corner... Continue Reading →
NGO coalition aligns with imperialism
The Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) exists primarily to lobby for increased aid. As a result, the NGO umbrella group broadly aligns with Canadian imperialism. When Justin Trudeau recently set off for an African Union Summit to build support for the government’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council the CCIC... Continue Reading →
Is Canada a colony or imperialist power?
It seems strange to even ask this question, but some who call themselves socialists do, so it is good to revisit the it every so often. Is Canada best described as a colony or imperialist power? Recent issues of the Economist and Northern Miner highlight the weakness of the dominant “staples trap” political economy... Continue Reading →
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