Building a Human Security Diplomacy by Robert J Hanlon

Building a Human Security Diplomacy by Robert J Hanlon

This book examines Canada’s foreign policy in terms of China, pointing to the flaws and attitudes relating to the impracticality and lack of its pragmatic design. We examine the historical and contemporary problem which these states face in terms of their economic, political, and social differentials to see what they have in common, what separates them, and how and why they can overcome these political and social divisions.  Our aim is to provide solution-based strategies to the very substantial, diplomatic, and foreign policy dilemmas which exist between these two countries. We begin with an overview and analysis of the fraught diplomatic and economic relations between Canada and China, particularly exacerbated during the global pandemic. Secondly, we look at these problems and how they might be resolved through developing a human security lens, in particular the idea of what we call a ‘human security diplomacy’ framework which we believe can advocate and support Canadianvalues while offering a strategic tool for strengthening national interests in the short and long term.  Finally, we look to the future of Canada-Chinese relations emphasizing an optimistic outlook while offering recommendations on how the relationship can be reimagined.    

Dr. Kenneth Christie is a Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His research interests are international relations and comparative politics. He is the author and editor of more than 6 books, including The South African Truth Commission (MacMillan: Palgrave, 2000) and The Politics of Human Rights in East Asia (with Denny Roy), (London: Pluto Press).