Abstract
Editors’ Introduction
The Middle East, a region that frequently dominates the headlines, looms large in this issue of International Journal. We open with Laura Pelletier and Justin Massie’s probing consideration of the Trudeau government’s decision to withdraw Canadian fighter jets from Iraq and Syria. Then, Liam Hunt offers a fresh analysis of the Iran nuclear deal, through the prism of the decline of realism in US foreign policy.
We then switch gears with Steve Wood’s exploration of the problematic relationship between Russia and Germany, clouded as it is by the resonances of “history.” Mischa Hansel and Simon Ruhnke follow with an analysis of military transformation processes, within the framework of regime type and capability-based explanations. Then, Anessa Kimball assesses the legalization of informal defence and security arrangements, with attention to the case of Canadian–American agreements from 1955 to 2005.
It is back to the Middle East with something of a departure for IJ. Two scholars, Thomas Juneau and Aisha Ahmad, present alternative views on Canada’s policy in the region in two Policy Briefs. Rounding out the issue, our book review section offers timely appraisals of recent volumes on international affairs, under the capable direction of Brendan Kelly.
Kate Merriman, who has served IJ as Copy Editor for several years, has departed to pursue other opportunities, and with this issue her responsibilities are taken up by Elena Vardon, an experienced writer and editor based in Toronto. We welcome Elena aboard, and wish Kate all the best in her future endeavours.