Pacific partners: a comparison of Canadian and Japanese peacekeeping experiences, looking for avenues of cooperation
Date
2002
Authors
Kimura, Yuko
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Abstract
Canada and Japan share similar circumstances and interests as America's allies, trading nations and middle powers in the Pacific region. However, they have widely different histories of peacekeeping involvement. Analyzing their experiences of UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) from perspectives of history and political science allows us to understand the role they play in their respective foreign policies. The role of PKOs has evolved over the half·century history of the UN. The increasing complexity and number of armed conflicts in recent years has increased the personnel and financial burden on many UN members, including Canada. Japan faces a question of how far it can participate in PKOs under the Constitution. The rationale exists for Japan and Canada to share personnel and financial costs, knowledge and technology for peacekeeping as pacific partners. Understanding their different strengths abilities, advantages, and interests can help make co·operation more beneficial.