Dominion over Palm and Pine: A History of Canadian Aspirations in the British Caribbean, by Paula Hastings.

In "Dominion over Palm and Pine: A History of Canadian Aspirations in the British Caribbean" by Paula Hastings, the author challenges the common belief in Canada's lack of a colonial past. Hastings argues that Canadian politicians, journalists, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals have entertained the idea of annexing British Caribbean islands since the late nineteenth century. These proposals were driven by various motivations, including commercial advantages, international prestige, and access to a tropical paradise. The book also explores the racial geographies that have shaped Canada's position in the world and highlights the opposition faced by proponents of unionism, including concerns about Caribbean migration and the denial of political rights. Overall, the book contributes to the understanding of Canada's transnational history and its role in the coloniality of the global system. [Extracted from the article]