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How can anyone even deny it? Canada has been an American client state for very long time. We traded the British for the Americans. The Americans don't require us to fly their flag or formally declare ourselves as their colony but in practice we are a classic example of a satellite state.
I don't see how it affects ordinary peoples' lives in either country whether or not one labels Canada as a client state. I think it's all about perception, and how an individual or society sees itself as, not what others label them as. If Canadians are happy with their current identity and national development, then that's what matters the most, client or no client.
I think Canada is greatly influenced by the US in many ways previously mentioned - economy, culture, and military. I do believe Canada fits into the US world order of things in terms of geopolitical and economic objectives. Globally, Canada is on Team USA even if people don't like it, know it, or acknowledge it. Team USA's goal is to draft as many members as it can to protect it's power and influence and this is done via military and economic means, moral or not. Canada and the US are natural partners for many reasons but the massive size difference creates some minor friction from time to time and some bending to American interests.
So I do agree Canada is more of a satellite state but definitely not a client state. Canada is also an independent country that still has it's own interests and power to choose whether or not to follow the US, but every decision has to be weighed on a cost-benefit scale so compromises are always inevitably (and sometimes unfortunately) made. In it's core, there may be a psychological resentment factor at play in this situation, which is normal, but for the most part, the two states work well enough together to get what they want to satisfy their own self interests. And Canada's interest has always seemed more focused on stability and quality of life as opposed to global power. It is also not a complete one way street as Canada has plenty of resources to sell and it is generally in the US' best interest to keep all team members happy too to maintain it's strength.
I think Canada is greatly influenced by the US in many ways previously mentioned - economy, culture, and military. I do believe Canada fits into the US world order of things in terms of geopolitical and economic objectives. Globally, Canada is on Team USA even if people don't like it, know it, or acknowledge it. Team USA's goal is to draft as many members as it can to protect it's power and influence and this is done via military and economic means, moral or not. Canada and the US are natural partners for many reasons but the massive size difference creates some minor friction from time to time and some bending to American interests.
So I do agree Canada is more of a satellite state but definitely not a client state. Canada is also an independent country that still has it's own interests and power to choose whether or not to follow the US, but every decision has to be weighed on a cost-benefit scale so compromises are always inevitably (and sometimes unfortunately) made. In it's core, there may be a psychological resentment factor at play in this situation, which is normal, but for the most part, the two states work well enough together to get what they want to satisfy their own self interests. And Canada's interest has always seemed more focused on stability and quality of life as opposed to global power. It is also not a complete one way street as Canada has plenty of resources to sell and it is generally in the US' best interest to keep all team members happy too to maintain it's strength.
Good post. BTW A satellite state IS a client state. Going by the definition it's a form of a client state.
To be very honest in terms of food and even buying retail you'll be far more likely to find me eating at a local restaurant than an American fast food chain.. Why would I pay 9 dollars for hamburger combo at McDonalds when I can get delicious Hakka or Indian food as two of many examples at a local restaurant family run for a few bucks less and far more delicious. Even shopping at retail most of where I buy goods are actually Canadian retailers.. I do shop at Walmart occasionally I will admit.. I buy my meat at a Canadian butcher and its so delicious on the BBQ...
I think Jonathan got it right that we are heavily influenced by the U.S and in their 'sphere' of influence. Does it mean we aren't an independent country that makes its own decisions - of course not but the influence is there and it will impact decisions our government makes. Canada certainly isn't the only country to be influenced to a great degree by either a powerful neighbour that either borders it or is even half way across the world.
From my Canadian perspective i cant think of a better neighbor than the USA.
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