Middle Power in the Middle East

The Middle East has not, historically, been a first-order priority for Canadian foreign and defence policy. Most major Canadian decisions on the Middle East have come about through ad hoc decision-making rather than strategic necessity. Balancing international obligations with domestic goals, Canadian relations with this region try to find a balance between meeting alliance obligations and keeping domestic constituents content. Middle Power in the Middle East delves into some of Canadas key bilateral relations with the Middle East and explores the main themes in Canadas regional presence: arms sales, human rights, defence capacity-building, and mediation. Contributors analyse the key drivers of Canadas foreign and defence policies in the Middle East, including diplomatic relations with the United States, ideology, and domestic politics. Bringing together many of Canadas foremost experts on CanadaMiddle East relations, this collection provides a fresh perspective that is particularly timely and important following the Arab uprisings.