Kinsman: Is North America dead?

By:
Jeremy Kinsman
/
30 January, 2012
By: Jeremy Kinsman
Former ambassador to the European Union and high commissioner to Britain

The need for neighbourhood has never been greater. The three North American countries do too little with the neighbourhood in mind. It’s all about individual national benefit and perceived threat, not about common purpose. Canada has played the pipeline issue badly, deaf to the full range of issues in the US because the government doesn’t get them in Canada. North America can be global first movers on the energy/environment swirl but leadership is required. With the US system in a the armlock of playground feuds, Canada has a golden opportunity to lead, but not from the standpoint of “me, first.” So, no, rumours of death are exaggerated, but signs of life are vividly required.

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