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Book Reviews How We Lead – Canada in a Century of Change

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Book Reviews How We Lead – Canada in a Century of Change BOOK REVIEWS The final part of the book contains the analysis and is not surprising, since any work dealing with secret intelligence epilogue, and it totals 33 pages. Therein, the author addresses and organizations, espionage, and conspiracies against dictators will reviews myriad scintillating issues, ranging from the penetration of suffer from a lack of hard evidence that prove theories conclusively, British security services by communist and fascist infiltrators, the and particularly in this case, where files were destroyed due to ineptitude of MI5, the bombing of London and Churchill’s role in the war, and records between the conspirators were not kept lest deflecting the attacks on the RAF and from the centre of London they fall in the hands of the secret police. to other civilian targets, and to the obvious Abwehr mistakes in preparing German agents sent to England. However, only seven In conclusion, although I would argue the book fails to pages actually address the thesis of the book, wherein the author conclusively support its thesis, it is an extremely interesting read tries to make a direct link between Canaris and his efforts to help and a valuable tool to the understanding of some key issues in the the British. In the end, it is not the ‘smoking gun’ for which the Second World War. I unconditionally recommend it to anyone readership might hope. who has an interest in intelligence, espionage, and/or the Second World War. In sum, the book is very well written. The writing is exceptional and fast flowing. The research is equally first-class, and the book Colonel (Ret’d) Bernd Horn, OMM, MSM, CD, Ph D, is a contains a wealth of endnotes that consist of excellent primary and former Regular Force infantry officer. Dr. Horn is also an adjunct secondary sources. It also has a superb select bibliography and professor of the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the a very comprehensive index. Important to note, however, is the University of Calgary, as well as an adjunct professor of history fact that throughout the book, the author makes assumptions and at the Royal Military College of Canada and Norwich University. conclusions to fill in gaps where there is missing evidence, many Additionally, he is a (jolly good) Fellow of the Canadian Defence of which with readers may or may not agree. In all fairness, this and Foreign Affairs Institute. How We Lead – By understanding Canada’s history of multilateral initiatives and Canada in a Century of Change diplomatic success, Clark envisions a Canada that will move for- ward in a ‘brave new world’ and ‘punch above its weight.’ Building by Joe Clark upon principles first outlined by Louis St-Laurent in 1947, Clark’s Toronto: Random House Canada, 2013 book lays out broad themes upon which both leaders and engaged 273 pages, $32.00 citizens should reflect. ISBN 978-0-307-35907-0 Clark discusses Canada’s historic participation on the world Reviewed by Wesley Stinson stage, and criticizes what he sees as a step back from meaningful international engagement by the current oe Clark is in a unique position government. The Canada / US relationship to comment on the challenges is dissected, arguing that instead of “sleep- that face both Canada’s for- ing with an elephant,” Canada should see eign affairs and domestic itself as “leading from the side.” Along policies. As a long-serving with Canada’s other traditional ties (the JMember of Parliament, Clark has been Commonwealth, la Francophonie, and Canada’s youngest prime minister, and so on), this relationship should serve as has served also as both Minister of a foundation to help create solutions as External Affairs and minister respon- an “active, respected and independent sible for constitutional affairs. This member of the global community.” Clark breadth of experience and depth of argues that this is best accomplished knowledge is shared with the reader through a return to multilateralism in How to Lead Canada in a Century and engagement. of Change. Interspersed throughout the text, Instead of a memoir filled with sto- Clark’s use of supporting evidence and ries of political success and failure laced anecdotes lend to the conversational with thoughtful musings on international style. The strength of his method shows affairs, How to Lead takes the form of an through with the collage of facts and extended discussion between the reader figures used to present the changes that and a former prime minister. This ease have occurred since the end of the Cold of flow allows for in-depth and engaging War. Clark argues that these changes discussions on a broad set of topics. Clark (globalism, the internet, free trade, and sets out to identify in what ways Canada must take advantage of its so on) should serve as guiding forces in policy and be taken tradition of democratic institutions and its diverse national strengths advantage of for their strengths; not cause division and shift in order to be a more effective member on the international stage. Vol. 15, No. 1, Winter 2014 • Canadian Military Journal 71 BOOK REVIEWS national focus solely inwards. This ‘brave new world’ will The modern Canadian Armed Forces and the defence com- require a Canada instilled with a type of ‘new thinking’ to face munity at large must understand its role in an active and engaged challenges. This new approach must realize that countries now Canada. How We Lead provides a poignant look back at what has “…are a collection of human lives, hopes, fears and surprises and a formed this nation’s relationship with the world in the past, and broadening of aspirations, if not always opportunities.” Canadian what can help shape it for the future. As soldiers, citizens, com- engagement is paramount. munities, and as a nation, it is critical to understand our sphere of influence in effecting positive change if Canada is to be a world Why then is this book pertinent for members of the Canadian leader. Clark argues that it is up to both governments and people Armed Forces and the defence community? Clark is slightly to “make the most of new circumstances,” and Canada cannot critical of the policies that led to Canadian military involve- be exempt from this challenge. How We Lead does not profess ment in Afghanistan, but certainly never argues that the CAF to have all the answers, but it certainly gets one thinking in the should be a peacekeeping force whose sole mandate is to help right direction. turn swords into ploughshares. Instead, Clark envisions a strong and professional military capable of responding to a diverse Corporal Wesley Stinson is a serving member of the Royal array of government needs in complex operating environments. Canadian Regiment. He is currently working towards a Bachelor Both the Canadian Armed Forces and the citizens who make it u of Military Arts and Science through the Royal Military College p are shareholders in Canadian society and they are important of Canada. contributors to Canada’s role on the international stage. DND photo ET2014-7218-01 by Corporal Michael Bastien by ET2014-7218-01 DND photo Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Regina’s CH-124 Sea King helicopter deploys flares during a routine flight operation in the Indian Ocean, 14 August 2014. 72 Canadian Military Journal • Vol. 15, No. 1, Winter 2014.
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