In addition, the swift unilateral action taken by the US caught the Canadian government by surprise, and that its inaction, due to its inability to overcome long-standing anxieties related to its national sovereignty, put a large strain on its relationship with the United States.

Canadians see this unilateral move on the part of the US as presenting a challenge to their future role in defense of the continent because it calls into question the utility of the 49 year old North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Agreement. The first is the atrophy of the Canadian armed forces since the end of the Cold War. As part of this examination two key factors emerged that could affect Canada’s future role in defense of the North America. The article traces the historical evolution of this strategic collaborative alliance from 1940 to present, and highlights Canada’s response to this perceived gap. The second concerns the future role of Canada in this relationship in light of the new mutual national security issues that have emerged since September 2001. One is whether since 9/11, a gap has formed in the Canada-US (CANUS) North American defense and security partnership.

It is the draft unpublished version of a published manuscript that appeared in the Autumn 2006 (VOL.XXXVI, NO.3) edition of PARAMETERS title: “The Future of Canada’s Role in Hemispheric Defense.” This paper was presented at the International Studies Association (ISA) 2007 Annual Conference.

Purpose of hemispheric defense zone