Player, partner and friend: Canada's Africa policy since 1945

This article is a study of Canada's foreign policy towards Africa from the earliest beginnings after the Second World War until 2012. The argument is that Canada has tried to ensure it is well regarded by Africa as a player, partner and friend. This would permit Canada to (1) build constituencies of support with Africans when interests converge on issues of common concern; and (2) ensure Canada is not alienated from Africa, and African states are not alienated from the West. Since 2006, however, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has over-emphasized the trade (player) aspect of the Africa policy, with potentially serious consequences for Canada's reputation and position in Africa against competitors like China.