The book explores how and why two self-identified middle powers adopted such distinctive styles in their diplomatic approaches. Focusing on a period of crucial developments in diplomacy, Andrew Cooper analyses the policies of each country, emphasizes distinctive interests and policies, and systematically compares key features of the actions of the two countries. While the book is very much policy driven, it is also firmly based on an appreciation of the distinctiveness of Australia and Canada. Cooper argues that the contemporary expression of duality in diplomatic approach can only be fully understood when set against the divergent historical experiences of the two countries. Not only has the structural, situational, and psychological location of Australia and Canada set them apart throughout the postwar period, but their pattern of political development has differed appreciably.