Degrees of Freedom

The book’s primary aim is to determine whether Canada and the United States have become more similar as their economies have become more integrated and their societies more diverse. The authors conclude that, although powerful economic and social pressures clearly constrain national governments and lead to convergence in some areas, distinctive cultural and political processes preserve room for distinctive national responses to important problems of the late twentieth century. Authors include Keith Banting, Paul Boothe (University of Alberta), Marsha Chandler (University of Toronto), George Hoberg, Robert Howse (University of Toronto), Christopher Manfredi (McGill University), George Perlin (Queen’s University), Douglas Purvis (Queen’s University), Richard Simeon, and Elaine Willis (consultant, Toronto).

A comparative study of Canadian and American responses to the changing international economy and to changing patterns of social diversity in domestic society, Degrees of Freedom traces the impact of these pressures on the economic and social structure, culture, political institutions, and policy regimes of the two countries.

“Canada and the United States in a Changing Global Context succeeds quite well in comparing patterns of policy convergence and divergence between Canada and the United States and situating the analytical issues. It is a fine comparative overview of key policy fields, against the larger backdrop of globalization and its impact on both countries.” Leslie A. Pal, School of Public Administration, Carleton University. “A very readable, interesting, and useful book. It pulls together a rich body of information and an insightful group of authors.” Roger Gibbins, Department of Political Science, University of Calgary.