Warrior Nation: Rebranding Canada in an Age of Anxiety

by Ian McKay, Jamie Swift

Once known for peacekeeping, Canada is becoming a militarized nation whose apostles-the New Warriors-are fighting to shift public opinion. New Warrior zealots seek to transform postwar Canada's central myth-symbols. Peaceable kingdom. Just society. Multicultural tolerance. Reasoned public debate. Their replacements? A warrior nation. Authoritarian leadership. Permanent political polarization.

The tales cast a vivid light on a story that is crucial to Canada's future; yet they are also compelling history. Swashbuckling marauder William Stairs, the Royal Military College graduate who helped make the Congo safe for European pillage. Vimy Ridge veteran and Second World War general Tommy Burns, leader of the UN's first big peacekeeping operation, a soldier who would come to call imperialism 'the monster of the age.' Governor General John Buchan, a concentration camp developer and race theorist who is exalted in the Harper government's new Citizenship Guide. And that uniquely Canadian paradox, Lester Pearson. Warrior Nation is an essential read for those concerned by the relentless effort to conscript Canadian history.

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Genres: History, Canada, Politics, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2012

Reviews

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely and important critique of government officials and academics, of which most have never experienced war, who wish to repaint Canada’s identity with rugged militarism. As supporters, like David Bercuson, state: screw the welfare state we need more war.

While slightly over zealous in tone at times I appreciated the candidness of the book and the authors using their academic credentials and privilege to provide a counter to such over-the-top military narratives.

[Katie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially relevant now with Harper's rebranding of Canadian history. The focus of Canadian history has moved towards an imperial history, the study of great people, wars, and battles. A good read for all Canadians getting a bit too cocky about the whole "peacekeeping" thing. We're not perfect either.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't actually finish this. I totally agree with their premise, but I think most of this coyld have been said inan essay or magazine article, which it may have originally been. What they deal with here is just another way the current government is trying to remake the country.

[Kevin Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sobering look at the hidden (and not so hidden) agenda of the Harper government to turn Canada into a nation of warriors instead of peacekeepers. Well worth the read.

[Scott Neigh]

Reviewed here.

[Kingston WritersFest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ian McKay joined us at Kingston WritersFest 2010. You can read more about Ian and the Festival here: www.kingstonwritersfest.ca