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The Three Pillars

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multilateralism

Contributor: aakeeler

Date: 2003-01-22 20:34:04

Canadian multilateralism, to my mind, means acting like the 'honest broker' we aspire to be -- and sometimes are. In this context, a certain friction with American values (and, though it's much less of an issue, European values) may be used to positive ends: as the 'little guy' of the G8, NATO, the UN, etc., Canada is able to keep the world community focused on the rule of law and civil society -- which is precisely what we're best at. The unique quality of the Canadian voice on the international stage is that we believe in the international community, as an ideal and in practice.

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multilateralism

Contributor: dsteve3

Date: 2003-01-23 15:45:22

We compromise our reputation by participating in illegal actions, like the bombing in Yugoslavia. We really need to focus on the word of the law, and be more vocal about those who break it.

We also need to look into trade law. Currently, there is a huge gulf between us in the priviledged world and the exploited world. Trade agreements and organizations are presently designed and functioning to exaserbate the problem. Struggling nations have their resources and labour exploited by us, while we add insult to injury by preaching about 'responsible economic policy'.

The law must recognize the rights of all humanity, the globe over. We cannot profit from the exploitation of foreign inequity while claiming to be some kind of moral pillar. The charade will cause us real pain in the future, either when we have to surrender our priviledged position, or worse by continueing to pretend that this problem doesn't exsist. By ignoring the plight of destabilized, economically exploited peoples around the world, the sham of our moral superiority casts us as hypocrits. Our word means nothing.

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multilateralism

Contributor: rawlson

Date: 2003-01-24 10:50:20

Canada must continue to embrace a multilateral approach to foreign policy that works within the established frameworks of the international community.

Policies of unilateralism can ultimately result in a lack of meaningful dialogue amongst nations and conflict.

Conflict can be deferred, delayed or resolved through meaningful dialogue within established international institutions.

Canada must make strides to be even move active in organizations such as the UN, the Commonwealth and the G8, to bring peaceful resolution to world conflicts.

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