Norman Hillmer

Norman Hillmer is a Canadian historian and Professor Emeritus at Carleton University, specializing in Canadian foreign policy, international relations, and diplomatic history. His academic career spans several decades of research and writing about Canada's role in international affairs. Hillmer served as chief historian at Canada's Department of External Affairs and has authored or edited over 25 books on Canadian history and foreign relations. His works include "Empire to Umpire: Canada and the World to the 1990s" (co-authored with J.L. Granatstein) and "O.D. Skelton: A Portrait of Canadian Ambition," which examines one of Canada's most influential civil servants. A significant focus of Hillmer's research has been Canada-United States relations and Canada's evolution as a sovereign nation in the international arena. His expertise in Canadian diplomatic history has made him a frequent contributor to academic journals and public discourse on Canadian foreign policy issues. His contributions to Canadian historical scholarship have been recognized through various honors, including fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Currently, Hillmer continues to write and comment on Canadian international relations while maintaining his association with Carleton University.

Readers praise Hillmer's clear writing style and thorough research in explaining complex diplomatic relationships. His book "O.D. Skelton: A Portrait of Canadian Ambition" receives credit for detailed archival work and bringing attention to an overlooked figure in Canadian diplomacy. What readers liked: - Accessible explanations of Canada-US relations - Balanced presentation of historical events - Integration of primary sources - Comprehensive coverage of diplomatic history What readers disliked: - Academic tone can be dry for general readers - Some find the level of detail excessive - Limited coverage of social and cultural aspects - Focus mainly on government perspective Ratings: - "O.D. Skelton" - 4.1/5 on Goodreads (12 ratings) - "Empire to Umpire" - 3.8/5 on Goodreads (15 ratings) - Limited presence on Amazon and other retail sites - More commonly cited in academic reviews than consumer reviews Most reviews appear in academic journals rather than consumer platforms, reflecting his primary audience of scholars and students.

O.D. Skelton: A Portrait of Canadian Ambition A biography of Oscar Douglas Skelton, a significant Canadian civil servant who shaped Canada's foreign policy between the World Wars.

Negotiating Freer Trade: The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the Trade Agreements of 1938 A detailed examination of the 1938 trade agreements between three major nations during the interwar period.

Empire to Umpire: Canada and the World to the 1990s A comprehensive analysis of Canadian foreign policy from confederation through the late twentieth century.

Partners Nevertheless: Canadian-American Relations in the Twentieth Century An examination of the complex diplomatic relationship between Canada and the United States throughout the 1900s.

For Better or For Worse: Canada and the United States to the 1990s A study of Canadian-American relations focusing on both cooperation and tension between the two nations.

Pearson: The Unlikely Gladiator A biographical work exploring Lester B. Pearson's role in Canadian politics and international diplomacy.

Jack Granatstein writes extensively on Canadian military and political history with a focus on World War II and international relations. He served as head of the Canadian War Museum and has authored works on Canadian-American relations.

Margaret MacMillan focuses on diplomatic history and international relations in the 20th century. She has written detailed accounts of the Paris Peace Conference and the relationships between world leaders during major historical events.

Robert Bothwell specializes in Canadian political history and foreign policy during the Cold War period. His work examines Canada's role in international affairs and its relationships with Britain and the United States.

Desmond Morton combines military history with social and political analysis of Canada's development. His research covers labor history, military operations, and the evolution of Canadian defense policy.

David Jay Bercuson concentrates on Canadian military history and modern international security issues. He has produced works on Canada's armed forces and its involvement in international conflicts throughout the 20th century.