Trump Teaches Canada What It Means to be a U.S. Ally Now

"A new survey by the reputable Canadian pollster Angus Reid finds that only 27 percent of Canadians regard the United States as a "friend" or "ally." Almost half, 46 percent, regard the U.S. as a "potential threat" or "enemy." More Canadians say they are concerned about the threats posed by the U.S. than they are about China (34 percent) or India (24 percent)-even though Indian nationals have been charged with allegedly assassinating a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil."

"But since that poll was conducted, Trump handily confirmed Canadian suspicions by slapping yet more tariffs on his neighbor and calling off planned trade talks. This president's latest tantrum came after an anti-tariff ad released by the Ontario provincial government that featured an authentic clip of Ronald Reagan speaking out against tariffs. Trump's attacks on long-standing allies of the U.S., and particularly his aggression against Canada, are encouraging countries to distance themselves from American power."

"Notably, the U.S. lacks regional allies in its naval war against Venezuela-beyond some joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago. When Reagan invaded the Caribbean island of Grenada in 1983, he took care to supplement the U.S. force with troops from Jamaica, Barbados, and other Caribbean states. The U.S. did not need the extra firepower, but it did need and get the legitimacy that comes from acting multilaterally."

Canadian attitudes toward the United States have deteriorated: only 27 percent view the U.S. as a friend or ally, while 46 percent regard it as a potential threat or enemy. More Canadians express concern about the United States than about China or India. Geography continues to bind the two countries through cooperation on Great Lakes protection and shared aerospace defense, and Canada joined talks on President Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense. Tariff increases and canceled trade talks after an Ontario anti-tariff ad have deepened Canadian suspicion. U.S. attacks on allies and unilateralism encourage other countries to distance themselves and erode multilateral legitimacy.

Read at The Atlantic