International Relations Theories in the British Prime Minister David Cameron's Speech to the Canadian Parliament - Essay Example

Cameron emphasized the British and Canadian relationship in many parts of his address. He reminded the Canadians about their affinity to the monarchy - to the Queen and to the royal family. The Canadians are still ceremonially led by the British monarch and the citizens are favorable to such system, having high regard for the members of the Royal family. He highlighted the close relationship of the two countries, serving as a platform to introduce the successes that they achieved when they worked together in the past.

Canada has always supported Britain in its military efforts and Cameron was quick to capitalize on the successes of this partnership. He referred to the two World Wars and appealed to the emotion of his audience by declaring the indebtedness of his country to the courage and commitment of Canada: In our darkest hour in World War II, Canadian naval forces helped keep the sea lanes open during the battle of the Atlantic running convoys across the Atlantic week after week, braving mines, submarines and blacked out silent ships.

All of which proved absolutely fundamental to our ability to survive as an independent country.  The above variables became significant as Cameron outlined the modern global problems - security and economy. The trends in the global landscape, particularly those as explained by the globalization principle, made it possible for the economic upheavals to be felt all over the world. This is especially true in the case of negative consequences. In addition, to this there is also the fact that as states are incorporated into the modern global system, their coercive capabilities were undermined, in effect, “weakening [their] legitimacy and subverted [their] capacity to manage the inevitable engagement with the global economy” (Burnell and Randall 25).

There is an attempt, as demonstrated, by Cameron’s speech to go back on past alliances to cultivate new and stronger partnerships so that Britain and Canada could effectively navigate the international economic system brought about by the globalizing forces. This in consonance with the liberal theory, wherein states are partners in the development process. It is important to remember that a crucial characteristic of dependency theory and liberal theory is that both are products of history and stages by which international order emerged.

By drawing on the two country's unique and close relationship and by highlighting the shared history, Cameron employed the strengths of the dependency theory and built a case for partnership, congruent to the liberal ethos, in order to advance economic cooperative measures. For instance, as previously mentioned Cameron has cited the numerous instances wherein Canada supported Britain. He did not fail to imply, however, that Canada could benefit from such support. He cited the case of Britain’s support for the Canadian resolution at a G8 summit, the Muskoka Initiative.

He also hinted at the crucial role of Britain in the capability of Canada to strengthen its defenses. The theme of Cameron’s speech marginalized other theories such feminism and global ecopolitical theories. They were not significant in the themes that he chose to elaborate on. With regards to dependency theory, there was no