Ownership and the Canadian model of new multilateralism: Negotiating the Inter‐American democratic charter
The mode of diplomacy associated with the making of the Inter‐American Democratic Charter presents an interesting puzzle. The form, scope and intensity of this initiative have a similar look to the well‐known cases of “new multilateralism” conducted through the campaigns on land mines and the International Criminal Court. Yet, notwithstanding an opportunity to replicate a role similar to one it played in these earlier episodes, there was no claim to Canadian ownership on the Inter‐American Charter. In looking at the reasons Canada preferred to adopt a constructive ‐ but relatively modest ‐ approach, some emphasis is placed on the question of timing both in terms of the departure of Lloyd Axworthy as Foreign Minister and the end of Canada's cyclical position as host of a number of major events with a focus on the Americas. Other factors, however, also receive attention. One is the connection between Canadian diplomats and their Peruvian counterparts, built up during the 2000 OAS mission, and supporting the notion of a “made in Peru” project. Another stems from the on‐going tension between Canadian state officials and representatives of Canadian societal groups that provided a disincentive to the claim of lead responsibility on the Charter.