The Ugly Canadian: Stephen Harper's Foreign Policy

by Yves Engler

Stephen Harper’s foreign policy documents the sordid story of the Canadian government’s sabotage of international environmental efforts, a government totally committed to tar sands producers and a mining industry widely criticized for abuses. Furthermore, this sweeping critique details Harper’s opposition to the “Arab Spring” democracy movement and his backing of repressive Middle East monarchies, as well as his support for a military coup in Honduras and indifference to suffering of Haitians following the earthquake that devastated their country.

The book explores Canada’s extensive military campaign in Libya, opposition to social transformation in Latin America and support for a right-wing Israeli government. With an eye to Canada’s growing international isolation, The Ugly Canadian is a must read for those who would like to see Canada adopt a more just foreign policy.

Genres: Politics, Canada, History

264 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a Liked it! rating because I appreciate the research and writing that went into the book - but honestly the topic isn't one that I like. Not being a Conservative party or Stephen Harper fan or supporter at all - this book put so many of the reasons, presented in the Foreign Policy directions, right there in my face. A good education and a good refresher as to why I am so opposed to the directions and philosophical basis of the Conservative party - but not a fun read at all.

This is a good companion book to Harperland.

Yes, Stephen Harper to me is an Ugly Canadian, and yes his policies and arrogance (greed for power, wealth and prestige) frame Canada as ugly to the world as well.

Hard to face the facts on topics such the Tar Sands, Mining, Arab Spring, Libya, Israel preference, Lebanon and Iran, but most hard to read and accept the treatment of Haiti by Canada. Really, really hard to accept those actions.

I like the final pages of this book, a short decisive vision as a call to grassroots collective action and resources to follow up on to become actively engaged.

When and how can we rid Canada of this neoconservative madness and this most uncompassionate and evil leader?

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!!! Should be a required read for those taking global studies in schools across this country.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depressing, but useful information. (Unfortunately, will probably only convince the already-convinced. Politics seems to work that way.)

[Karen Rempel]

Never finished this one!