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Table of Contents
Introduction
Bordering on Aggression: Evidence of U.S. Military Preparations Against Canada by Floyd W. Rudmin is a meticulously researched and provocative exploration of the military and strategic underpinnings of U.S.-Canadian relations. This book challenges the widely held perception of the two nations as purely cooperative allies by presenting evidence of historical and contemporary U.S. military planning that positions Canada as a potential adversary or strategic target. Rudmin delves into a variety of topics, including military planning, economic motivations, and psychological dimensions, while providing specific case studies, such as Fort Drum and bridge strength reinforcement projects, to underscore his argument.
This review evaluates Rudmin’s arguments in detail, examines additional evidence presented in the book, and analyzes its implications for understanding the complexities of U.S.-Canadian relations.
The book is available on The Internet Archive as well as on Amazon.
- Rudmin, Floyd W. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Voyageur Pub (Publisher)
Overview of the Author’s Argument
Rudmin’s central thesis asserts that the United States has historically regarded Canada not only as a partner but also as a strategic asset to be controlled or secured in times of conflict. Through an extensive review of declassified military documents, historical accounts, and geopolitical analyses, Rudmin reveals that U.S. military plans have included scenarios involving the occupation of Canadian territory.
He argues that these plans are driven by Canada’s proximity, its vast natural resources, and its strategic importance in continental defense. The book frames this argument within a broader historical context, emphasizing the U.S.’s history of expansionism and its pursuit of geopolitical dominance.
Key Themes and Evidence
Historical Tensions in U.S.-Canadian Relations
Rudmin begins by recounting historical conflicts, such as the War of 1812, to highlight early tensions between the United States and Canada. These conflicts, he argues, set a precedent for viewing Canada as a potential target or threat. The book outlines how subsequent periods of peace masked underlying strategic considerations that persisted in U.S. military planning.
U.S. Military Planning: Fort Drum and Strategic Preparations
One of the most compelling examples in the book is the suspected purpose of Fort Drum, located near the Canadian border in upstate New York. Rudmin discusses how this military installation has often been viewed by some observers as more than a defense outpost against foreign invasion. Instead, it has been suspected of being a strategic position designed to project military power into Canadian territory if needed.
Fort Drum’s proximity to key Canadian cities and infrastructure makes it an ideal location for rapid deployment of U.S. forces in scenarios involving northern border security or territorial control. Rudmin raises questions about the necessity of such a large military presence in the region and whether its existence reflects latent tensions in U.S.-Canadian relations. The book suggests that Fort Drum’s role in military exercises and its focus on rapid mobility align with contingency plans involving Canada.
Bridge Strength Reinforcement: Strategic Infrastructure or Routine Maintenance?
Rudmin also examines U.S.-funded projects to reinforce bridge structures near the Canadian border, presenting them as another piece of the broader strategic puzzle. While these reinforcements are officially justified as necessary upgrades for civilian and commercial use, the author questions whether they serve a dual purpose: enabling the swift movement of heavy military equipment across the border.
The book highlights how reinforced bridges would facilitate the rapid deployment of tanks, armored vehicles, and other military assets in the event of a conflict or crisis involving Canada. Rudmin cites specific examples of reinforced bridges in areas such as Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands, noting their strategic importance in connecting key U.S. and Canadian regions. This aspect of the book underscores how infrastructure projects can serve both civilian and military objectives, blurring the lines between defense preparedness and routine development.
Geopolitical and Economic Motivations
A recurring theme in Rudmin’s analysis is the role of Canada’s natural resources in U.S. strategic planning. He argues that Canada’s vast reserves of oil, fresh water, and minerals make it a valuable asset in global geopolitics. The book explores how these resources have shaped U.S. economic and military strategies, particularly during periods of heightened global tension, such as the Cold War.
Rudmin also discusses how resource scarcity and climate change could increase Canada’s strategic importance in the future. He posits that the U.S. would be motivated to secure access to Canadian resources under scenarios of economic or environmental crisis, further justifying its historical military preparations.
Psychological and Cultural Dynamics
The book delves into the psychological and cultural dimensions of U.S.-Canadian relations, challenging the perception of Canada as a harmless neighbor. Rudmin argues that this perception has contributed to a lack of public scrutiny regarding U.S. military planning involving Canada. He suggests that Canadians’ self-image as peaceful and cooperative has led them to underestimate the strategic interests driving U.S. policies.
Strengths of the Book
Comprehensive Research and Evidence
Rudmin’s extensive use of declassified documents and historical records provides a solid foundation for his arguments. The inclusion of specific examples, such as Fort Drum and bridge reinforcements, adds depth to his analysis and highlights the tangible aspects of U.S. military planning.
Interdisciplinary Approach
The book benefits from its interdisciplinary approach, combining history, political science, and psychology to offer a nuanced understanding of U.S.-Canadian relations. This approach makes the book relevant to readers from diverse fields, including geopolitics, international relations, and military history.
Provocative and Challenging Perspective
Rudmin’s work challenges conventional narratives about the peaceful coexistence of the U.S. and Canada. By shedding light on lesser-known aspects of their relationship, the book invites readers to critically examine the complexities of international relations between these two nations.
Criticisms and Limitations
Lack of Contemporary Analysis
While the book provides a thorough historical analysis, it devotes less attention to contemporary developments, such as post-9/11 security cooperation and the rise of integrated defense initiatives like NORAD. A deeper exploration of how these developments have influenced U.S.-Canadian relations would have strengthened the book’s relevance.
Speculative Nature of Certain Claims
Some readers may find Rudmin’s interpretations of military preparations, such as the purpose of Fort Drum and bridge reinforcements, to be speculative. While the evidence is compelling, the book occasionally stretches to draw conclusions that may not be fully substantiated.
Limited Focus on Canadian Perspectives
The book focuses primarily on U.S. actions and policies, with less attention paid to how Canada perceives and responds to its relationship with the U.S. Including Canadian viewpoints and strategies would have provided a more balanced analysis.
Relevance and Implications
Rudmin’s work raises important questions about the nature of U.S.-Canadian relations and the role of strategic interests in shaping bilateral policies. The book’s discussion of Fort Drum and infrastructure reinforcement highlights how military and civilian projects can overlap, revealing the often-hidden dimensions of geopolitical strategy.
For policymakers and scholars, Bordering on Aggression serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of international relations between two closely linked nations. It underscores the importance of scrutinizing military and infrastructure policies to uncover their broader strategic implications.
Summary
Bordering on Aggression: Evidence of U.S. Military Preparations Against Canada by Floyd W. Rudmin is a thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of U.S.-Canadian relations. By examining historical conflicts, military preparations, and infrastructure projects, the book challenges the conventional narrative of peaceful coexistence. While some claims may feel speculative, the inclusion of detailed case studies, such as Fort Drum and bridge reinforcements, adds depth to the analysis and underscores the strategic complexities of the relationship.
This book is essential reading for anyone interested in geopolitics, military strategy, and the intersection of economics and international relations. It encourages readers to critically evaluate the interplay between proximity, resources, and power in shaping national strategies, offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics of U.S.-Canadian relations.
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