Toronto-based historian J.L. [Granatstein] is an exponent of the realist school. For Granatstein, the author of numerous titles on military issues, Canadian foreign policy during the past several decades has been based on values and has neglected the concept of national interest.

Granatstein laments the prevalence of anti-Americanism in Canada. It is simply not in Canada's interests to alienate its largest trading partner and the ultimate guarantor of its security.

In particular, Granatstein argues that Canada should participate in the American plan for continental ballistic missile defence. Former prime minister Paul Martin's decision not to participate was short-sighted and based on transitory political considerations.