Battle Lines Trump Edition: Annexing Canada, negotiating with Russia and containing China
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Mar 14, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Memphis Barker, a Telegraph foreign correspondent in Alberta, explores the separatist sentiments in Canada and the controversial idea of annexation, revealing surprising opinions from locals. Tom Wright, a strategic advisor in the Biden White House, offers a deep dive into U.S. relations with Russia and China. The conversation addresses national security concerns, emotional ties to independence in Alberta, and the complicated diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict, all while examining the currents of U.S. foreign policy under both Trump and Biden.
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Alberta's Oil and Resentment
- Alberta's identity and economy are deeply tied to oil production that fuels much of the US energy needs.
- Resentment grows as federal equalization payments redistribute Alberta's oil wealth elsewhere, causing feelings of exploitation.
Alberta Man’s US Allegiance Oath
- Don Castleman swore allegiance to the US flag driven by deep concerns for his family's future.
- His motivations go beyond oil profits to fears about Canada’s defense and sovereignty.
Defense and Annexation Thoughts
- Some Albertans see joining the US as a solution to defense and economic concerns.
- Canada's limited military capacity in the Arctic raises fears about adequate defense against Russian and Chinese threats.