Member-only story

Canadian Nationalism and Cold War Memory: CMTS Dialogues Explored

Aleksandr Pushkin

·8.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Finding Diefenbunker: Canadian Nationalism And Cold War Memory (CMTS Dialogues)

5 min read · 2 weeks before

247 View Claps

27 Respond

Save

Listen

The Cold War was a defining period in Canadian history, shaping the country's political, economic, and social landscape. During this period of heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, Canada emerged as a staunch ally of the US, a stance that had a profound impact on its national identity. The CMTS Dialogues, a series of discussions held between Canadian and American scholars in the 1980s and 1990s, provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between Canadian nationalism and Cold War memory.

Finding Diefenbunker: Canadian Nationalism and Cold War Memory (CMTS Dialogues)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	614 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	41 pages

Canadian Nationalism and the Cold War

Canada's involvement in the Cold War was multifaceted, reflecting the country's deep ties to the United States, its commitment to Western values, and its desire to maintain its own sovereignty. The Cold War also presented Canada with a unique opportunity to define itself as a distinct and independent nation, separate from both the US and the USSR.

Canadian nationalism during the Cold War was characterized by a desire to assert the country's autonomy and to play a significant role on the world stage. This was evident in Canada's decision to join NATO in 1949, its participation in the Korean War, and its refusal to follow the United States into the Vietnam War.

However, Canadian nationalism was also tempered by a deep sense of pragmatism and a recognition of the country's close relationship with the United States. Canada recognized that its security and economic well-being were inextricably linked to the US, and it sought to maintain a balance between its desire for independence and its need for cooperation.

The CMTS Dialogues

The CMTS Dialogues were a series of discussions held between Canadian and American scholars from 1982 to 1992. The dialogues were organized by the Canadian Institute for International Affairs and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and they brought together experts from a variety of fields, including history, political science, and economics.

The CMTS Dialogues provided a forum for Canadians and Americans to discuss their respective experiences of the Cold War and to explore the different ways in which the conflict had shaped their national identities. The dialogues were also an opportunity to examine the challenges and opportunities facing Canada and the United States in the post-Cold War era.

Key Themes in the CMTS Dialogues

The CMTS Dialogues covered a wide range of topics, including the following:

* The role of Canada in the Cold War * The impact of the Cold War on Canadian identity * The challenges and opportunities facing Canada in the post-Cold War era * The future of Canada-US relations

One of the key themes that emerged from the CMTS Dialogues was the importance of Canadian nationalism as a force for shaping the country's Cold War policies. Canadian scholars argued that nationalism was a driving force behind Canada's decision to join NATO, its participation in the Korean War, and its refusal to follow the United States into the Vietnam War.

Another key theme was the impact of the Cold War on Canadian identity. Canadian scholars argued that the Cold War had forced Canadians to confront their own values and beliefs and to reassess their place in the world. The Cold War also led to a renewed interest in Canadian history and culture, as Canadians sought to understand their own unique identity.

The CMTS Dialogues also explored the challenges and opportunities facing Canada in the post-Cold War era. Canadian scholars argued that the end of the Cold War presented Canada with a unique opportunity to redefine its role in the world and to forge a new relationship with the United States.

Finally, the CMTS Dialogues examined the future of Canada-US relations. Canadian scholars argued that the post-Cold War era presented an opportunity for Canada and the United States to build a more balanced and equal relationship. They argued that Canada should focus on developing its own distinct voice in international affairs and that it should seek to play a more active role in global governance.

The CMTS Dialogues provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between Canadian nationalism and Cold War memory. The dialogues demonstrate that nationalism was a driving force behind Canada's Cold War policies and that the Cold War had a profound impact on Canadian identity. The dialogues also explored the challenges and opportunities facing Canada in the post-Cold War era and the future of Canada-US relations.

Finding Diefenbunker: Canadian Nationalism and Cold War Memory (CMTS Dialogues)

5 out of 5