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I would call Canada a satellite state, which is a form of client state. We are completely dependent on the US economically, culturally and militarily, so does this make us a defacto "satellite"? I think we are as independent as we have ever been under US tutelage, but still fall short of having true autonomy due to our geographic position, small population and also the choice of a big chunk of the population to replace our original culture with American culture.
No, Canada is not. Client state is a broad term, and not a specific one. Canada does not fit under any of the subdefinitions of client states in your link
"Canada essentially developed as a dependent American satellite state, voluntarily surrendering much of it's economic, military, diplomatic, and cultural control to the United States under the aegis of mild liberal continentalism." (1)
1. Inwood, Gregory J. Continentalizing Canada the Politics and Legacy of the MacDonald Royal Commission. Toronto: U of Toronto, 2005. 27. Print.
Many critics of the US like to offer examples of less successful US client states (Nicaragua comes to mind) but the success stories are often left off the table. One might suspect that it is more difficult to discuss certain realities when they hit closer to home. Although Canada had begun it's trek to American clientdom under R.B Bennet and Mackenzie King immediately after the realization of the 1931 Statute of Westminster, it is the post-1945 clientization of Canada that stands as an ideal formula for a successful client state. The subordination of Canada was achieved not through force of arms but peacefully through Canada's willful relinquishment of it's potential independence in exchange for some of the fruits of the American economy and the full protection of the American military umbrella.
No, Canada is not. Client state is a broad term, and not a specific one. Canada does not fit under any of the subdefinitions of client states in your link
At the very least, Canada perfectly fits the listed definition of being a protectorate, one of the listed forms of client states. Even the most obtuse cannot deny this.
"A protectorate, in its inception adopted by modern international law, is an autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity. In exchange for this, the protectorate usually accepts specified obligations, which may vary greatly, depending on the real nature of their relationship. However, it retains formal sovereignty and remains a state under international law. A territory subject to this type of arrangement is also known as a protected state".
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeyyc
No. The primary defining factor of a client state would have the overseeing state have de facto control of the government.
No, it doesn't. You are describing a puppet state. There are a number of different types of client states, the puppet state being only one of many. Of course, the mark of a successful client state is that the general populace remains ignorant of their clientdom.
the protectorate usually accepts specified obligations, which may vary greatly, depending on the real nature of their relationship.
What specified obligations does Canada have?
I'll give you sphere of influence, key ally, trade partner, but Canada isn't a vassal.
I didn't claim that Canada is a vassal. It is a protectorate, as well as fitting the definition of several other types of client states (a satellite state, an associated state). There is a big difference between a vassal and a protectorate, although they both are types of client states.
What obligations does Canada have? Here's a couple:
- Many American corporations receive special treatment in Canada. The 1960's political fallout that came from Ford's encroachment into Canada and a number of "free trade" deals made this abundantly clear. The net result of this is that Canada willingly has become a defacto extension of the American economy.
- Canada always supports the US in military ventures. The most defiant Canada can be is to forgo direct combat support in favor of supporting the US behind the sidelines (see: Vietnam, Iraq). Canada has no other option as it's political class cannot actively oppose the US. At best, such as in the case of the Iraq War, Canadian politicans will tell the populace that they are opposing the US war while in practice they do in fact support the US war effort.
Keep in mind that It is very rare for Client states to sign documents that expressly confirm their status, let express this status to the common populace. It also isn't a one way relationship. Canada greatly benefits economically from her status as a client state and it is for this reason that the Canadian political class of the early to mid 20th century relinquished her potential independence to the United States.
I would call Canada a satellite state, which is a form of client state.
Quote:
Originally Posted by theunbrainwashed
No, Canada is not. Client state is a broad term, and not a specific one. Canada does not fit under any of the subdefinitions of client states in your link
It doesn't? A satellite state: "The political term satellite state designates a country that is formally independent in the world, but under heavy political, economic and military influence or control from another country". Do you really not think that definition describes Canada?
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