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Asia's renaissance has produced two emerging powers: China and India. Along with Brazil and Mexico, these states challenge Canada's economic and foreign policy.

How can Canada balance its economic and political priorities in a way that supports Canadian interests, values, and assets?

Should Canada deepen its integration in North America, or should it refocus its priorities on other continents, especially on Asia?

To consider the options, globeandmail.com has asked three foreign-policy specialists to give us their thoughts and lead us in a discussion.

CANADA'S WORLD: PART 2

The global landscape is changing. Canada must have a clearly articulated view of its own interests. It should pursue several complementary campaigns.

At the top of the list is enlarging the Group of Eight. We are a member of that exclusive club — and it is in danger of becoming irrelevant, precisely because it does not reflect the changing global landscape.

The world needs a "steering committee" — a limited group of leaders who meet for summits. The key players need to be there, whether we like all aspects of their domestic or international policies. Bluntly, we may not like what China is doing in Tibet, but the greater interest is engaging China in the management of our increasing global interdependence.

There are a number of critical related challenges. Canadians want to see an effective global response to the challenges of climate change, but that will not happen through exclusive reliance on the United Nations and its negotiation processes — leadership on climate change and a number of other global issues is required by a more specific group of countries.

This is partly why adding China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa to the G8 is imperative. These five countries have been invited to the past three summits "for dessert only"; they should be present for the entire menu. Only heads of government can deal with the complex mix of environment, energy, technology and development issues involved with fighting climate change.

Canada should take the lead with France in expanding the G8, an initiative French President Nicolas Sarkozy already supports. We are likely to see an increased U.S. interest in working through the multilateral system, particularly if Obama or Clinton win.

Second on the list: Creating middle-power groups to discuss issues not yet on the global agenda. For example, Canada could bring together countries most affected by climate change, focusing on impacts and adaptation. Or the growing concern about the increase in food prices. We should help ensure that those not represented at summits can make their voices heard.

Third: While we can work at deeper economic integration with the United States, there are limits to how far this can be extended to the Americas. The likelihood is that Washington will be taking a tougher line on environmental and labour standards in Mexico, and Mexico will be pushing its concerns about migrants to the United States. These are not fights where we want to be in the ring. As for political integration, there is no stomach for it anywhere.

Successive Canadian governments have tried to realign our trade toward first Britain, then Europe, then Asia. The result has been a steady increase in the percentage of our trade with the United States. That will not change. So yes, promote investment and trade with Europe and Asia, but have no illusion about the limits to what can be achieved. Our competitiveness is based on our institutions, tax structure, natural resources and human resources — and our privileged relationship with the United States. These must be the priorities.

Finally, Canadians should not have illusions about their government's ability to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Better we fix Canada's own problems with rights and economic opportunity. Our international activities should be focused where we can make a difference.

Above all, let us ensure Canada is in the room when major global issues are being tackled.