"In the first major study of the Royal Canadian Navy's contribution to foreign policy, A Two-Edged Sword takes a comprehensive look at the paradox that Canada faces in participating in a system of collective defence as a means of avoiding subordination to other countries. Created in 1910 to support Canadian autonomy, the Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in defining Canada's relationship with the United Kingdom, the United States, and NATO. Initially involved with participation in Imperial and Commonwealth defence, the RCN's role shifted following the Second World War to primarily ensuring the survival of the NATO alliance and deflecting American influence over Canada. Nicholas Tracy demonstrates the ways in which the Navy's priorities have realigned since the end of the Cold War by partnering with the US and NATO navies in global policing. Insightful, detailed, and grounded in solid historical scholarship, A Two-Edged Sword presents a complete portrait of the shifting relevance and future of a cornerstone of Canadian defence"--Publisher's description.

Introduction -- A national navy in an imperial context : the beginning -- A national navy in an imperial context : between the wars -- Lessons of the Second World War -- The Navy and the new imperium -- 5. The Cold War : Suez, the Cuban Crisis, and the end of the "golden age" -- The Cold War : Détente, rust-out, and renewal -- The Cold War : endgame -- Sanctions enforcement : Iraq -- Sanctions enforcement : Yugoslavia and Haiti -- Constabulary action and international leverage : The "Turbot War" -- Continental defence and global policing -- The Navy and the Arctic.