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In fact, these peacekeeping tendencies from the Cold War have helped Canada maintain a powerful position in the international community. Moreover, this role was not only diplomatic, but also backed by Canada's willingness to use elements of force during the Cold War. Though Canada did not lead the charge to become involved in wars, it played an important role in helping send forces once the United Nations had decided to become involved in these organizations. In fact, the theoretical role of any United Nations military forces was to keep the peace. Canada was actually the first country to propose that the United Nations maintain a peacekeeping military force. While this proposal was initially dismissed by the United Nations, during the Suez Crisis in 1956, the United Nations adopted the Canadian idea of a peacekeeping force. Moreover, during this time period, peacekeeping forces were actually peacekeeping forces, not aggressive military forces. They were literally used as a human shield between opposing parties. This worked in the Suez Crisis, leading to a cease-fire. Therefore, while peace in the Middle East was short-lived, it is critical to realize that Canada played a huge role in averting a major disaster.

Moreover, while Ronald Reagan is frequently given credit for ending the Cold War, it is important to realize that, without Canada, the dialogue between the United States and the Soviet Union may have been impossible. Yakovlev took a pre-premier Gorbachev on an agricultural tour of Canada, and began discussing the idea of loosening restrictions in the United States. Gorbachev's role in helping end the Cold War is well-known.

Canada's strategy for remaining safe during the Cold War was to use the United States for protection while trying not to alienate communist countries. This strategy proved very effective; Canada managed to avoid direct military involvement with either of the superpowers during the Cold War. However, it is important not to underestimate the long-term consequences of Canada's Cold War strategy. There is no longer a worldwide communist threat, and that is at least partially attributable to Canada's peacekeeping role during the Cold War. However, Canada's peacekeeping role in the Suez Crises may simply have delayed some of the tensions in the Middle East, and may have helped contribute to the modern global terrorist threat and continuing problems in that region. What these consequences make clear is that even a country trying to maintain some neutrality can have a tremendous long-term impact on international relations.