Exploring the CANZUK Union: Would the U.S. be Interested?
The concept of the CANZUK union is intriguing, particularly within the context of a diverse and evolving world market. The idea proposes free trade, foreign policy, and defense coordination between Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom, aiming to mirror the EU model with potential open border status.
However, the inclusion of the U.S. in this initiative is unlikely for several reasons. While there are distinct advantages and potential synergies, the complex political, social, and cultural landscapes of the CANZUK members would pose significant challenges when comparing them to the U.S.
Understanding CANZUK
The CANZUK initiative aims to foster closer ties between the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through free trade, foreign policy alignment, and the facilitation of people movement. This alignment is not only about economic benefits but also about sharing similar values and systems of governance.
A notable example of such alignment is the seamless healthcare system between CANZUK countries. If, for instance, an Australian were to require medical care while residing in Canada, the Canadian government could easily send the bill to the Australian government for payment. This level of cooperation in healthcare would be challenging for the U.S. to achieve, especially given the significant differences in healthcare systems and policies.
Reasons for Excluding the U.S.
One of the primary reasons for excluding the U.S. from CANZUK is the difference in political institutions and cultural norms. The U.S. is not a member of the Commonwealth, and its standard of living is quite distinct from that of CANZUK countries. Additionally, the U.S. does not share the same democratic and governmental structures, further complicating integrations efforts.
Consider, for example, the extent of freedom of movement within CANZUK. Australia and New Zealand already enjoy freedom of movement, while the U.S. would face significant opposition to this concept. The American public, known for its strong stance on border control and immigration, would find it next to impossible to accept unfettered movement of people from four other countries.
Economic interests alone do not align sufficiently for the U.S. to join. Despite shared goals such as joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the military and cultural aspects are not nearly as congruent. For example, the U.S. and its allies within CANZUK are already members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, but this does not necessarily align with the free trade and open border policies that CANZUK advocates.
Support and Progress of CANZUK
Despite the challenges, there is significant support for the CANZUK initiative, particularly within the main political parties of the involved countries. Recent public opinion polls indicate that there is a majority support for these unions among the populations of the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, the political feasibility of implementing these unions remains a significant hurdle.
The process towards the CANZUK union is likely to be a gradual one. It involves a series of steps, each of which is generally acceptable. The idea of a "New Empire" might be a stumbling block, as it could stir up nationalist sentiments and result in a negative public response. However, the components that are already in place, such as the shared naval ships (Type 26), and the military cooperation through the Five Eyes alliance, suggest that progress is already underway.
Conclusion
While the CANZUK union offers numerous benefits and opportunities for closer ties between the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the inclusion of the U.S. is currently improbable. The significant differences in political, social, and cultural norms, particularly regarding border control and immigration, make such an integration overly complex. Nevertheless, the CANZUK initiative continues to move forward, driven by a shared desire for cooperation and mutual benefit.