Canada is taking an outsized role in the construction of the post-American world
4 hours ago
- NATO summits under Trump show a pattern: normal proceedings before his arrival, then chaos, followed by attempts to reconcile differences.
- The 2025 Ankara summit aimed to support Ukraine and show Europe's defense commitment, but Trump's disruptive demands (like Greenland and Iran war revival) undermined it.
- Post-summit declarations reaffirmed Article 5, Russian threats, increased spending, and support for Ukraine, but Trump's commitments are not taken seriously.
- Deep doubts exist about U.S. willingness to defend NATO allies, especially given Trump's threats to Greenland and Canada's territorial integrity.
- Canada's over-reliance on the U.S. for trade and defense has left it ill-prepared, but current crises are forcing a radical reappraisal and diversification.
- Canada is redirecting trade, raising defense spending, undertaking infrastructure projects, and taking a larger role in international affairs.
- Prime Minister Carney is shifting away from past Liberal policies, emphasizing development, military strength, and European ties to counterbalance the U.S.