Requiem for an Idea: Harper and North American Integration

The Political Science Speaker Series presents: Dr. Greg Anderson, “Requiem for an Idea: Harper and North American Integration”. The Conservative government’s management of foreign policy over the past decade has generated considerable controversy. Canada’s participation in Afghanistan, the country’s domestic terrorism legislation, aggressive pursuit of trade liberalization, a commodities-driven prosperity, all coupled with tough-talking rhetoric have given some the impression that Canada is again a serious force on the international stage. Yet, close to home, where it arguably matters more, the Harper Government has contributed to a re-bilateralization of North American relations detrimental to Canada’s long-term interests. This paper details the slide into bilateralism, makes a case for why it’s detrimental, and puts forward an argument for both why the next government ought to re-engage trilateralism as well as some suggestions for how to go about it. This free lecture is open to the public. All Welcome!

Location:

Social Science 729

Speaker:

Dr. Greg Anderson is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta (CANADA). He holds a B.A. in history from Brigham Young University, an M.A., also in history, from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of the Johns Hopkins University (Johns Hopkins/SAIS) in Washington, D.C.Dr. Anderson’s research and teaching interests are situated within the discipline of international political economy, particularly the political economy of North American integration. He has authored numerous pieces focused on Canada-U.S. relations, the politics of international trade and investment policy, U.S. foreign economic policy, and the impact of the global economy on forms of governance. Dr. Anderson’s recent writing has included a focus on the contemporary debate over foreign direct investment rules and the experience with investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) within the NAFTA area. Finally, Dr. Anderson has recently started work on the impact asymmetrical power relations have had on the evolution of North America’s political economy.From 2000-2002, Dr. Anderson worked in the Office of the United States Trade Representative as a policy analyst in the NAFTA office.

More information at http://www.ucalgary.ca/events/calendar/requiem-idea-harper-and-north-american-integration