Leveraging talent: Exporting ideas in the Asian century

Abstract

This paper aims to build the case for a new Canadian Asia strategy. It begins with a historical review of the Canadian government's diplomatic relations with the region while revisiting the role of Canada in the global order as a middle-power state. It then introduces a framework that links Joseph Nye's concept of soft power with the pragmatic features of foreign public diplomacy (PD). It shows that a strategic, coordinated and informal approach to PD can bring important soft-power gains for Canada in the world's most dynamic region. Finally, it calls for a distinct Asia-focused diplomacy built on sustainable development, governance and education. It concludes by recommending that the government spearhead an annual regional forum on sustainability, strengthen relationships with Canada's Asia-based diaspora, as well as develop an incentive program to entice young Canadians to study and work throughout the region.

Keywords:

• Canada
• Asia
• China
• Development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert J. Hanlon

Robert Hanlon is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Asian Research, University of British Columbia and Lecturer of International Relations at Simon Fraser University. He is a contributing editor of the Berlin-based Anti-Corruption Research Network and an official commentator for the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada's National Conversation on Asia. He has a PhD from City University of Hong Kong and has previously worked for the Asian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.