The Middle East has not, historically, been a first-order priority for Canadian foreign and defence policy. Most major Canadian decisions on the Middle East have come about through ad hoc decision-making rather than strategic necessity. Balancing international obligations with domestic goals, Canadian relations with this region try to find a balance between meeting alliance obligations and keeping domestic constituents content.

Middle Power in the Middle East delves into some of Canada’s key bilateral relations with the Middle East and explores the main themes in Canada’s regional presence: arms sales, human rights, defence capacity-building, and mediation. Contributors analyse the key drivers of Canada’s foreign and defence policies in the Middle East, including diplomatic relations with the United States, ideology, and domestic politics. Bringing together many of Canada’s foremost experts on Canada–Middle East relations, this collection provides a fresh perspective that is particularly timely and important following the Arab uprisings.

"This collection nicely demonstrates how – and why – the Middle East continues to matter to Canadians."

Thomas Juneau is an associate professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa.

Bessma Momani is a professor of political science and assistant vice-president at the University of Waterloo, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), and a non-resident fellow of the Arab Gulf States Institute.