Converging and diverging streams: a systemist analysis of Canadian foreign investment policies adaptation to shifting global trends

ABSTRACT

This article compares Canada’s approach to foreign investment (FDI) policies on a global level at different points in time. Focusing on three publications, it analyzes development of Canadian FDI policies since the 1980s in the context of Kingdon’s model of policy streams. Through the systemist analysis of this chronological development, it identifies factors that have shaped the convergence and divergence of these policy streams. This study also discusses the continuing relevance of these factors, notably growing geopolitical tensions between China and the United States. This study unfolds in six sections. Section one provides an overview of the article. The second section introduces systemism in connection with FDI policies. Sections three through five produce systemist graphics related to each of the above-noted publications. Section six sums up the applications and constraints on systemism as an analytical tool in addressing the evolution of Canadian FDI policies.

RÉSUMÉ

Cet article compare l'approche du Canada en matière de politique d'investissement étranger (PIE) au niveau mondial et à différents moments. En se concentrant sur trois publications, il analyse l'évolution des politiques canadiennes en matière de PIE depuis les années 80 dans le contexte du modèle des flux politiques de Kingdon. Grâce à l'analyse systémique de ce développement chronologique, l'article identifie les facteurs qui ont façonné la convergence et la divergence de ces flux politiques. Cette étude aborde également la pertinence continue de ces facteurs, notamment les tensions géopolitiques croissantes entre la Chine et les États-Unis. Cette étude se déroule en six sections. La première section offre un aperçu de l'article. La deuxième présente le systémisme en relation avec les PIE. Les sections trois à cinq produisent des graphiques systémistes en rapport avec chacune des publications mentionnées ci-dessus. La section six résume les applications et les contraintes du systémisme en tant qu'outil analytique pour aborder l'évolution de la politique canadienne d'investissement étranger.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 A full background to, and explanation of, the contents of Table 1 appears in the introduction to this special issue by Gansen and James.

2 The terms “strategic assets” or “strategic industries” have never been codified in Canadian foreign investment law, unlike European law. Some observers view their use as a rhetorical device to politicize FDI regulation – particularly when exercising bureaucratic discretion as with rules governing cultural, telecommunications and transportation industries (Assaf & McGillis, 2013, pp. 12–14).

3 Whenever two or more variables are on the same side of an arrow, these are separated by semicolons. For example, “X1”; “X2” → “Y” means that both X1 and X2 lead into Y.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Geoffrey Hale

Geoffrey Hale is Professor of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge and author or co-editor of numerous books and articles on Canada's international economic policies.