Diefenbaker - Strengths and Weaknesses in Foreign Policy.
This paper discusses John Diefenbaker's foreign policy between 1957 and 1961. It has been said that "John Diefenbaker remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic Canadian politicians of our century, and his conduct of Canadian external affairs well demonstrates both his strengths and weaknesses." Indeed, it did. Diefenbaker showed himself to have very strong principles when it came to foreign policy, but in the end, those strong principles became his weakest traits. By turning increasingly against Kennedy after 1961, Diefenbaker could not force himself to support Canada's obligatory role in the Cuban Missile crisis and Canada's promise to accept American nuclear weapons. In failing to deliver on Canadian responsibilities, Diefenbaker showed how his strength ultimately translated into a stubbornness that defeated his own foreign policy. 10 pgs. 24 f/c. 7b.
