A special issue of the Journal of Transatlantic Studies devoted to the role of Canada in the transatlantic world is particularly appropriate in 2008. Not only does this year mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War - a war in which the British Dominions, especially Canada, played a vital role and which contributed to the slow but sure development of a distinct Canadian national identity during the twentieth century; but also 2008 sees Canadians - mindful of the current conflict in Afghanistan and the growing number of Canadian casualties - engaged in a wide-ranging debate on the role of Canada in international affairs.

This special issue of the journal contains articles by Canadian scholars and policy-makers, based in Britain and the USA as well as Canada, who explore many of the main themes in transatlantic history and politics over the last 90 years and more, from the age of imperialism to the era of 9/11 and the 'War on Terror'. The first three articles cover the first half of the twentieth century when Canada developed from a British Dominion to an important power in her own right, a founding member of the UN and NATO, albeit a 'middle power' compared with her great neighbour to the south.