Bomb power: The modern presidency and the national security state, by Gary Wills
| DOI | 10.1177/0020702013510125 |
| Date | 01 December 2013 |
| Published date | 01 December 2013 |
| Author | Toby Zanin |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
despite jurisdictional disagreements between Canadian and American politicians,
naval cooperation has typically kept the rhetoric and nationalist politics within the
countries’ respective legislative chambers. As the potential for a shipping route to
Asia and significant oil and gas possibilities have raised the Arctic on Canada’s
political agenda, so too has the political baiting between Ottawa and Washington.
‘‘Canada’s rhetoric is nationalistic and speaks of sovereignty’’ (297), he writes, while
the United States has proclaimed access extolling the ‘‘freedom of the seas as a top
national priority’’ (291). In practice, America and Canada’s navies have been more
constructive and have actively collaborated in stewardship of the Arctic. Interactions
have been mostly cooperative, as illustrated by the conduct of joint mapping exer-
cises in the region. Tracy’s exploration of the leveraging effect of naval cooperation
and its ability to ‘‘soften’’ state relations adds analytical nuance to the Arctic dispute.
Common to many Western states balancing guns against butter, Tracy also
argues that Canadian defence procurement and naval capabilities have always
played catch-up because of political lassitude in Ottawa. He goes so far as to
suggest that Canadian defence planning might be more politicized than that in
the United States. Although Canadian politicians have recently increased their
security rhetoric, they have shrunk the defensive reality; the navy specifically has
been hampered by erratic procurement, delays and project cancellations, down-
sizing, and budget limitations. Although the navy has ably adapted to these con-
straints, there can be no denying the political–military disconnect. Although
politicians grandstand for Canada to remain a leader in global affairs, the reality
of cuts to military expenditures reduces naval assets and blunts policy objectives.
Amongst Canada’s politicians there is a ‘‘failure to adjust to the practicalities of
their policies’’ (260).
Tracy’s conclusion is certainly critical of the creeping continentalism in
Canadian defence planning and the readiness of Canadian politicians to defer to
America’s national priorities. Instead, he states the case for more ‘‘strategic
breadth’’ (304), with the goal of improving Atlantic alliances with Britain and
France (306).
In summary, A Two-edged Sword is a must-have for those interested in maritime
affairs. Although some readers may prefer a concise version, Tracy’s unique insight
into current naval thinking and the direction of Canadian foreign policy more than
justifies the breadth and detail of his scholarship.
Gary Wills
Bomb power: The modern presidency and the national security state
New York: Penguin Books, 2010. 278pp., $22.05 (paper) ISBN 978–1–594–20240–7
Reviewed by: Toby Zanin, independent scholar, Toronto
‘‘The United States should render thanks to heaven for having placed it up to now
that they have need of neither standing armies, nor public force, nor skillful and
658 International Journal 68(4)
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