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Note that most of his novels are no longer in print. However electronic versions are available for download on the Internet Archive.
Richard Rohmer’s body of work is often viewed as a mirror reflecting the complexities and undercurrents of U.S.-Canada relations. His speculative fiction and thrillers delve deep into economic, political, and military scenarios that highlight tensions between these neighboring nations. While his novels were written decades ago, their themes remain relevant in the context of modern political challenges, including the reelection of Donald Trump and its implications for cross-border relations.
Richard Rohmer’s bibliography encompasses a range of novels that intertwine political intrigue with military strategy, frequently highlighting the delicate balance between Canadian sovereignty and U.S. interests. Among his notable works, “Ultimatum” (1973) portrays a scenario where the United States pressures Canada for increased energy resources, leading to a high-stakes political standoff. The novel captures the fragility of Canadian sovereignty in the face of a powerful neighbor. This theme resonates today as Canada continues to navigate its economic dependency on the U.S. while asserting its autonomy in trade and energy policies. The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which culminated in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), mirrors the tensions depicted in “Ultimatum.”
A sequel to “Ultimatum,” “Exxoneration” (1974) digs deeper into U.S.-Canada energy politics. This novel focuses on the oil industry’s power dynamics, examining how resource control can shape international relations. Rohmer uses this fictional backdrop to critique the lack of preparedness in Canada’s strategic response to such scenarios. The novel’s themes are particularly relevant in the context of recent U.S. administrations prioritizing energy independence and resource security. The ongoing disputes over pipelines, such as Keystone XL and Line 5, echo the tensions portrayed in “Exxoneration.” These real-world issues underscore the continuing relevance of Rohmer’s exploration of resource-based diplomacy.
The “Separation” series, including “Separation” (1976) and “Separation Two” (1977), shifts the focus inward, examining Canada’s domestic vulnerabilities, particularly the Quebec separatist movement. Rohmer portrays a scenario where the province’s secession threatens to destabilize Canada, making it more vulnerable to external pressures from the United States. The separatist themes in Rohmer’s novels highlight the interplay between internal divisions and external influences. In contemporary politics, these dynamics remain significant, particularly with rising regionalism and debates over federalism. The influence of U.S. media and culture on Canadian unity also underscores the ongoing relevance of Rohmer’s observations.
“Periscope Red” (1980) explores the strategic significance of the Arctic, a region of increasing geopolitical interest. The novel revolves around espionage and military maneuvering in the Arctic, emphasizing its importance as a theater for U.S. and Canadian military cooperation—and competition. Today, the Arctic remains a focal point for U.S.-Canada relations. As climate change opens new shipping routes and access to resources, disputes over sovereignty, such as Canada’s claim over the Northwest Passage, mirror the conflicts envisioned in “Periscope Red.” Rohmer’s work serves as a prescient reminder of the strategic challenges posed by Arctic geopolitics.
One of the central themes in Rohmer’s works is Canada’s economic dependency on the United States. This dependency is often portrayed as a double-edged sword, offering prosperity while making Canada vulnerable to U.S. demands. The renegotiation of trade agreements like USMCA and disputes over tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exemplify this tension in the modern era. Rohmer’s depiction of resource-based diplomacy, particularly in “Ultimatum” and “Exxoneration,” resonates with contemporary debates about energy pipelines, resource nationalism, and the transition to renewable energy.
Rohmer consistently highlights the challenges of maintaining Canadian sovereignty in the face of U.S. influence. His novels portray scenarios where Canada’s autonomy is tested, whether through economic pressures, political influence, or military threats. In today’s context, these themes are reflected in disputes over defense spending and border policies. For example, the Trump administration’s calls for increased Canadian contributions to NATO echo the dynamics Rohmer explored in his fiction.
The strategic interplay between the U.S. and Canada is a recurring motif in Rohmer’s novels. He often portrays Canada as a pawn in larger geopolitical games, whether in the context of Arctic sovereignty or Cold War-era tensions. The Arctic’s growing importance as a geopolitical hotspot, combined with increasing competition from other powers like Russia and China, underscores the relevance of Rohmer’s focus on strategic vulnerabilities.
Under the Trump administration, U.S.-Canada relations were often characterized by trade disputes and renegotiations. The imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, as well as the contentious USMCA negotiations, highlighted the economic interdependence of the two nations. Rohmer’s exploration of trade and energy dynamics in “Ultimatum” and “Exxoneration” offers a fictional lens through which to understand these real-world challenges. His portrayal of resource-based diplomacy resonates with Canada’s ongoing efforts to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its reliance on the U.S. market.
Energy remains a critical aspect of U.S.-Canada relations, with disputes over pipelines and environmental policies often straining the bilateral relationship. Rohmer’s novels, particularly “Ultimatum” and “Exxoneration,” emphasize the strategic importance of Canada’s energy resources and the potential for conflict over their control. The real-world cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and ongoing disputes over Line 5 underscore the contemporary relevance of these themes. Rohmer’s work serves as a reminder of the need for strategic planning and resilience in the face of energy-related pressures.
Rohmer’s focus on Arctic sovereignty in “Periscope Red” is particularly timely given the region’s growing geopolitical importance. As climate change opens new shipping routes and access to resources, the U.S. and Canada face increasing pressure to assert their claims in the Arctic. The Trump administration’s emphasis on Arctic security and the modernization of NORAD reflect the strategic challenges Rohmer envisioned. His novels highlight the importance of balancing cooperation with the U.S. against the need to assert Canadian sovereignty.
The “Separation” series explores the interplay between internal divisions and external pressures, a theme that remains relevant today. Regional tensions, debates over federalism, and the influence of U.S. media and culture continue to shape Canadian politics and identity. Rohmer’s work underscores the importance of addressing domestic vulnerabilities to strengthen Canada’s position on the global stage.
Richard Rohmer’s novels remain as relevant today as they were when first published. His exploration of economic, political, and military dynamics offers valuable insights into the complexities of U.S.-Canada relations. As these two nations continue to navigate their interdependence and the challenges of a rapidly changing world, Rohmer’s work serves as both a warning and a guide, emphasizing the importance of strategic foresight, resilience, and cooperation.
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