Faith & Fear — The Free Trade Story
G. Bruce Doern
Brian W. Tomlin
Faith and Fear explores the political dynamics of the free trade decision. It describes the power of economic forces to transform the political landscape, of chance occurrences that made the difference between change and the status quo, and of determined men and women who made events bend to their will.
Described by its authors as "equal parts research, detective work, and logical deduction," Faith and Fear depicts the effect the negotiations had on Canadians — forcing them to look deeply into their national soul and to decide where they stood on the issue.
Faith in liberal markets and fear of American protectionism helped shape the choice to go for free trade. But the decision was not propelled by ideology but instead by a cold political calculation that the risks of pursuing the free trade initiative were worth the political candle.
Whether viewed narrowly as a trade deal, broadly as an economic constitution for North America, or as a political event of enormous psychological importance to Canadians, free trade leaves Canada forever changed.
About the authors:
Doern is a Canadian public policy analyst and professor of public administration at Carleton University. A native of Winnipeg, he holds a B. Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba, an M.A. from Carleton University, and a Ph.D. in political science from Queen's University.
Tomlin is a specialist in foreign policy and bargaining and negotiation. Born in London Ontario, he earned his B.A. in economics from McMaster University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from York University in Toronto. Formerly the director of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, he is now a professor of international affairs and political science and director of Carleton's Centre for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.
