The Invisible War

Canadians have always blown hot and cold on their military, depending on how threatened they feel at the time. They generally trust our armed forces to help protect individuals across the globe from oppression, war or disaster; in fact, peacekeeping and peacebuilding are part of our national identity. But the historical pattern suggests that, unless we sense a direct threat, most of us are unwilling to devote much intellectual or fiscal energy to the institution we entrust to carry out the national will in hostile environments around the world.

Since September 11, Canadian voters are once again alert to danger and the need for attention to defence affairs. As a result, for the first time in recent memory, defence policy questions found their way onto debate agendas during last year’s election. The NDP, of all parties, took a stand for improving the capacity and well-being of those who serve in uniform. This revived interest is also evident in the recent swell of...