Ostash N. Asymmetry of the Canada-U.S. Relations in the Post-Bipolar World

The thesis is devoted to the analysis of the main features of the Canada-U.S. relations asymmetry in the post-bipolar world. For this purpose main criteria, factors, features and characteristics of the asymmetrical relations, as well as key strategies that minimize asymmetry between the two states, were defined. Basing on the elaborated theoretical approach, it was found out that the Canada-U.S. relations can be defined as a typical bilateral asymmetry that is minimized by a number of bilateral and multilateral strategies applied by Canada. Not taking into account economic integration, the first decade of the post-bipolar era was marked by prevalence of political problems on the agenda of the Canada-U.S. relations that is mostly related to the Ottawa's deviation from the U.S. foreign policy strategy in the new geopolitical conditions. The 9/11 terrorist attacks modified the character of the Canada-U.S. relations in the very beginning of the XXI century by bringing to the forefront homeland security and defense concerns. The relations between Ottawa and Washington in the abovementioned sphere are generally characterized by equitable partnership and the conditions of mature asymmetry that is minimized by a number of bilateral mechanisms of cooperation, as well as joint membership in NATO. The Canada-U.S. relations in the economic sphere can also be defined as mature asymmetry that is apparent, inter alia, from the principle of non-application of the mechanism of linkage of issues. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the 9/11 events, as well as the world economic and financial crisis (that began in 2008) demonstrated that even mature asymmetric relations have negative manifestations during the periods of crises. The speed-up of the North American integration intensified some problems in the Canada-U.S. relations in the cultural sphere. The domination of the American cultural products on the Canadian market posed a threat to the Canadian national identity and therefore made Canada apply both national regulatory instruments, as well as multilateral strategies to minimize the American cultural influence in the country.The management of the Canada-U.S. asymmetry might be defined as rather successful example that lays grounds for further investigation on how the mentioned model of asymmetrical co-existence can be applied to the foreign policy strategy of Ukraine in its relations with asymmetrical partners.