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Better understanding of Yanks sought

Western faculty are talking to Americans — and Canadians — in hopes of shedding light on Canada’s relationship with our southern neighbour.

The recent establishment of the Canada-U.S. Institute at Western is a national first.

Don Abelson, director of Western’s Centre for American Studies and a co-ordinator of the Institute, believes there is still a need for formalized studies on American politics, culture and history.

Research concerning American-Canadian relations has been de-emphasized in academic institutions in the past, with many Canadians thinking they are already well-informed about the U.S., Abelson said in an interview with Western News.

“We hope that by understanding each other better, [Western] will be in a position to inform policy makers, journalists and fellow academics about what’s going on in the United States,” Abelson explained.

He added Canada is in a better position to advance its national interest south of the border by staying informed about the U.S.

The institute plans to examine important North American issues such as health care, trade, border security, the environment and differences in foreign policy in regards to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Three Western research centres will form the core of the new institute and scholars from other departments and faculties are also expected to participate.

Abelson noted feedback from potential American collaborators has been positive. Even the Canadian government expressed interest.

“There is no other institute in Canada devoted exclusively to studying Canada-U.S. relations,” he said. “I think it’s the right time and perfect opportunity for Western to harness some of its intellectual resources and build the type of international profile that our new president [Amit Chakma] is looking for.”

The institute is currently in the process of forming research teams with hopes they will be able to produce working papers, seminars and organized workshops within a year.

Laura Stephenson, a political science professor at Western and member of the Centre for American Studies, has already launched a study on behalf of the Institute.

The research project is designed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of Canadians towards the U.S. and vice versa.

Stephenson noted she was in the preliminary stages of launching an Internet survey to garner samples from both sides of the border.

Abelson is optimistic about the Institute’s future in the hands of Western students and staff.

“When you combine faculty research interests with an insatiable desire on the part of undergraduate and graduate [students] for courses dealing with the United States, you create a perfect synergy to allow this kind of institute to flourish.”

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