Reconcilable Differences: A History of Canada-US Relations

by Stephen Azzi

Reconcilable Differences examines the interplay between Canada and the United States from the birth of these two countries to present day. The text draws on political, economic, and social research as well as historiographical approaches to create an engaging narrative that brings historical personalities and events to life. The myriad of issues explored include how Ottawa has interacted with Washington, how strong economic ties have influenced both countries, how Canadian and American values have converged or diverged over time, and how public opinion has shaped the relationship. Dispelling the myths about the differences and similarities between Canadians and Americans, Reconcilable Differences offers a balanced, interdisciplinary approach that neither ignores nor exaggerates the influence of the two countries on each other.

Genres: Canada

301 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2014

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. It presents a compelling theory of Canadian-American relations without wandering into the realm of tedious detail or pedantry. Not even close actually. It is one of the few books of this subject and depth of analysis that was a genuine pleasure to read and was altogether hard to put down.

In addition to presenting a compelling thesis, it was interlaced with careful historical research and amusing anecdotes that stick with you as a reader. It is appropriate for the public at large seeking to improve their knowledge, as well as for subject matter experts looking to cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the two countries. Bonus: it is also of a length (~270) that is respectful to the reader.

[Pascal Scallon-Chouinard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Azzi offers a very interesting analysis, providing a better understanding of the history of the relationship between Canada and the United States from colonial times to the present day. Relying on a sometimes ancient but well-developed referential apparatus, the author argues that the relationship between the two countries has been crucial to their respective development, and that while the two nations have sometimes evolved in opposition, they have above all benefited from a political, economic and cultural proximity to define themselves within a North American reality.

History is a formidable tool for contextualizing the present, and this book serves that purpose very well, illustrating in particular the extent to which tariff threats and wars, like annexationist aims and fears for that matter, are part of the long term, recurring cyclically in the discourses of the political classes of both countries. Through the management of borders, the negotiation of trade and cultural agreements, and games of influence in the backstage of power as well as on the international stage, the quasi-interdependent relationship between the two countries has been built, eroded, solidified and refined over the course of decades and governments.

Despite its rather austere subject, this book is particularly well-written and accessible. The impact of the U.S. on Canada is much more emphasized than vice versa, and the nature of the book means that regionalisms are little taken into account, but the author nonetheless manages to offer a relatively complete general portrait, or at least one that provides a good understanding of the interdependence between the two countries and the impact of the relationship on the construction and definition of Canada’s national identity.

[Lily Zitko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Canadian-U.S. relations, mostly concerning the border (physically and metaphorically). Learned interesting facts on trade agreements and other political relations between Canada and the U.S. I would recommend for students of history of political sciences who wish to learn more about these relations in a broad sense.