Part 11/15:

Trump’s approach exemplifies a geopolitical environment where economic strength equates to political obedience. The US administration’s willingness to wield tariffs as leverage underscores that loyalty and compliance are non-negotiable. For Canada, this means that every attempt to diversify, to assert independence, risks provoking punitive measures that further entrench its dependence.

The prevailing question for Canada is whether it can afford to continue waffling between sides or if it must make a decisive choice—either align more closely with the US and accept the consequences or pivot toward China at the risk of US retaliation. Both options entail significant hardship, and neither offers easy solutions.