The Big Story Does national sovereignty stand a chance against Trump's ambitions?
Jan 12, 2026
Stephen Maher, an insightful author and journalist specializing in political analysis, joins the discussion on national sovereignty in the era of Trump. He highlights how Trump's actions threaten the post-World War II order, raising alarms about the U.S.'s moral and legal stance. Maher examines the implications of the Greenland situation, the military capabilities of the U.S. and Canada, and challenges facing NATO. He advocates for Canadian investments in Arctic defense while predicting that the threat of invasion will remain contained.
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Post-War Order Under Strain
- Stephen Maher warns Trump's actions may signal the end of the post-war international order that maintained peace since WWII.
- He argues Trump is undermining national sovereignty and reverting to an era where strongmen seize resources.
GOP's Fear Weakens Checks
- Maher says many congressional Republicans fear Trump's base and avoid confronting him to prevent primary challenges.
- That fear weakens domestic checks and balances and delays robust pushback against presidential overreach.
Don't Dismiss Greenland Talk
- Maher warns we cannot assume Trump is merely joking about taking Greenland and must take his moves seriously.
- He questions the stated defense rationale and suggests other motivations like personal grandiosity or strategic aims.