With $2 billion in trade a day crossing the U.S.-Canada border, the relations between these two nations is more than a marriage of convenience. Sharing the world's longest undefended border, both nations are geographic Siamese twins, bound by a common interest in democratic processes, health care and education, as well as military and defense-from the perspectives of differing histories and cultures. It is exactly these varying perspectives that make the two nations unique. Each country approaches their cultural heritage from decidedly contrary outlooks. Both Canadians and Americans are proud, but the reasons behind their pride are vastly different. At this point in our development as separate democracies united on one continent, it is important to take a look at what makes each society different from the other. Written by two seasoned government officials, this book examines the unique destiny shared by these two nations and their vital stake in such issues as national identity, economics, culture, religion, military defense, human rights and the environment.

David W. Kilgour (Ottawa, Ontario) has had a distinguished career in Canadian federal politics as an MP in both the Conservative and Liberal parties. During over 26 years in parliament, he also served as Secretary of State for Latin America & Africa, Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific and Deputy Speaker of the House.

David T. Jones (Arlington, Virginia) is a retired U.S. senior foreign-service officer, whose diplomatic career of almost 30 years focused on NATO and armscontrol issues. He also served as a political minister counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa from 1992 to 1996.