International and global defence are important elements that have shaped both Canadian foreign and domestic policies. The transition from a unipolar world to a multipolar arena as well as the emergence of multiple global threats such as climate change and global pandemics has influenced Canadian defense strategy and emphasized the importance of international cooperation.
The pages below explore Canadian bilateral and multilateral defense agreements and Canada's contribution to global security through its military mission abroad and support for international initiatives. They also identify where political parties, stakeholders, and the public stand on Canada's engagement in global security and international cooperation and how different actors influence the evolution of Canadian foreign defense policies.