What are Trump’s intentions for Canada? Is he sowing confusion and chaos as part of a negotiation strategy or attempting to weaken Canada?
Historically, Canadian security has hinged on two core assumptions: that Canada faces no direct military threat, and that the United States would always act to defend Canada. Both assumptions are now being challenged amid rising global tensions and unprecedented shifts in the Canada-U.S. relationship.
This year’s Strategic Outlook is a timely and essential survey of the emerging and existing security challenges facing Canada at this dangerous inflection point. The report explores:
- The unprecedented shift of the Canada-U.S. defence relationship, including three possible interpretations of President Trump’s intentions in targeting Canada through 25% tariffs and his call for Canada to become the 51st state
- The implications of Trump’s disruption of NATO and his shifting stance toward Russia and Ukraine
- Arctic security and growing competition with Russia and China in the region
- Canada’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific and the pressures of navigating between China and the United States
- Canadian defence recapitalization since 2017, with a special contribution by Philippe Lagassé reviewing the current state of procurement
Dr. Huebert’s analysis makes one thing clear: Canada must no longer depend on others to protect its security. It is time for Canadian political leaders to think strategically, act decisively, and take responsibility for safeguarding our national interests in a more dangerous and chaotic world.
