It's Political with Althia Raj

Is Canada ready for Trump 2.0?

Feb 23, 2024

Experts discuss the implications of a potential Trump 2.0 presidency on Canada, focusing on defense spending, NATO alliances, and diplomatic strategies. The episode emphasizes the need for Canada to prepare for uncertainty and strengthen international relationships to navigate potential challenges successfully.

48:31

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Quick takeaways

Former President Trump's comments on NATO defense spending threaten alliance unity and collective defense.

Experts predict a second Trump presidency could lead to increased isolationism, unpredictability in foreign policy, and potential NATO withdrawal.

Deep dives

Trump's Comments on NATO Allies

Former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks at a rally, suggesting that NATO countries not meeting defense spending targets would not receive protection. This caused concern as it goes against NATO's core principle of collective defense and weakens the alliance. Experts warn that Trump's motive might be to lay the groundwork for NATO withdrawal if re-elected.

Introduction

2min

Analysis of Canada's Readiness for a Potential Trump Presidency

2min

Preparing for a Potential Trump 2.0 Presidency

8min

Threats to NATO Alliance

6min

Canada's Defense Spending and Relationship with the United States in the North American Alliance

2min

Challenges in Canadian Defense and Security Spending

4min

Canada's Vulnerability and Defense Posture

6min

Challenges of Dealing with 'Trump 2.0' Administration from a Canadian Perspective

18min

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau managed one chaotic term under U.S. President Donald Trump, and he’s made it clear he’d prefer to continue working with current President Joe Biden. But with the Republican primaries favouring Trump, a divided electorate and a U.S. election this fall, Trudeau faces the possibility of another Trump White House.

One that’s likely much more unpredictable and isolationist than the first Trump administration.

Earlier this month, at a campaign rally, Trump suggested NATO countries that don’t spend enough on defence would be left to defend themselves if Russia were to attack. His comments sent shock waves throughout Europe and North America, with experts and politicians warning that undermining NATO undermines the security of all member countries.

On today’s show, we talk to experts with first-hand knowledge on what a second Trump presidency could mean for Canada and what we should do to prepare.

In this episode: Canada’s former ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, Canada’s former ambassador to NATO Kerry Buck, Queen’s University professor emeritus of political science and author of "Canada Alone" Kim Richard Nossal, and retired Lieutenant-General and former Liberal MP and parliamentary secretary for Canada-U.S. relations Andrew Leslie. Hosted by Althia Raj.

Some of the clips this week were sourced from: CTV, CBC, Global, CPAC, CNBC, PBS, Fox, CP24, and the Associated Press.

This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein and mixed by Kevin Sexton. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

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It's Political with Althia Raj

Is Canada ready for Trump 2.0?

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Trump's Comments on NATO Allies

Impact of Trump's Hypothetical Presidency

Canada's Defense Challenges

Preparation for Trump's Re-election

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts