In “The Imperatives of Canada’s Strategic Geography” Kim Richard Nossal RK Nossal (2020) states that a ‘Lack of seriousness on the part of elected officials [regarding Canadian defence policy] reflects the lack of seriousness of the populace as a whole, and that lack of seriousness, in turn, flows inexorably from the essential safety that Canada’s strategic geography provides”. What does he mean? Is he right?

Answer these questions in the form of an essay. You should draw upon the readings from the course, including chapters from the Canadian Defence Policy book and Strong, Secure, Engaged, as well as other relevant literature as needed. As you consider Nossal’s statement, it will be important to think about the various factors that shape Canadian defence policy and the broader political and social context in which it operates. Your essay should be structured around a clear thesis that addresses the question of whether or not you believe Nossal’s statement to be true. In order to support your thesis, you should make well-reasoned and supported arguments that draw upon the relevant course material and literature.

Overall, a strong essay will demonstrate a strong understanding of the concepts and literatures related to Canadian defence policy and the various factors that shape it. It will also show a careful consideration of the arguments being made and a willingness to engage with and critically evaluate the material. Your essay should be approximately 1000 to 1250 words double space. As with any written assignment, be sure to proofread your work for spelling and grammar errors before submitting. You have to cite (In-text citation and reference) everything that you take from the reading.