This paper by @caredunton aims to ground some of the relatively limited research on Canada and the #UNSC in IR theory about status and identity. This is a good thing. Previous work has been utterly devoid of theory. #WIISTOTC 1/10
It will also add to the literature on small states. Another good thing. But I do have some questions / suggestions / observations (and I’m not good with #gifs, sorry) @caredunton #WIISTOTC 2/10
For one, why no reference to Tom Keating’s, Canada and World Order: The Multilateralist Tradition in Canadian Foreign Policy oupcanada.com/catalog/978019…. Keating is interested in somewhat similar themes and ideas. @caredunton #WIISTOTC 3/10
For primary sources, the footnotes in Canada on the United Nations Security Council ubcpress.ca/canada-on-the-… should provide most of what is needed to flesh things out. @caredunton #WIISTOTC 4/10
I wonder about whether the paper might distinguish between 3 different types of #UNSC campaigns sufficiently @caredunton #WIISTOTC 5/10
(1) Clean slate elections (result all but guaranteed); (2) contested elections by necessity (no contest when Canada makes bid, but then another country joins); and (3) contested elections by choice (Canada’s bid makes the election contested). @caredunton #WIISTOTC 6/10
In this context, 1947, 1957, 1966, and 1976 are all pretty much clean slate. 1988, 1998, and 2010 are contested by necessity. 1946 and 2020 are contested by choice. If you accept this typology, the paper’s organization might change @caredunton #WIISTOTC 7/10
My argument here is that the way you run a campaign is likely to be affected by the nature of the election. You plan differently from the beginning in 2016 because you know the election is going to be contested. Not true in previous campaigns @caredunton #WIISTOTC 8/10
Finally, how does the theory here fit with Saudi Arabia’s experience? The Saudis bid for a seat, won, and then withdrew. Sometimes states bid for seats and don’t actually want to win (Canada in 1946 is another example) @caredunton #WIISTOTC 9/10
I look forward to the final product! @caredunton #WIISTOTC 10/10
