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.
Under Trump, the US has become an untrustworthy global leader, abandoning its role as a reliable 'trusted third party' in international relations.
Trump's erratic trade policies, such as tearing up NAFTA and imposing chaotic tariffs, have alienated allies like Canada and discouraged deal-making.
The US's weaponization of financial systems (e.g., SWIFT) and tech infrastructure (e.g., Office 365) is pushing other nations to build post-American alternatives in finance, military, and internet.
Building a post-American internet is challenging but feasible, focusing on extracting data, replacing firmware, and bridging new systems, though hindered by trade deals that ban reverse-engineering.
Critics like John Quiggin argue that Europe and others are surpassing the US in military and manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on American power.