Summary
Overview
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze Trump's aggressive stance toward Canada, examining how his demands go beyond trade to challenge Canadian sovereignty itself. They discuss upcoming Palestinian elections, Andy Burnham's preparation for his first PMQs, and reflect on the broader theme of international impunity threatening the rules-based order. The episode connects these seemingly disparate topics through the lens of power, subjugation, and the erosion of democratic norms.
Trump's Subjugation of Canada
The hosts explore how Trump's approach to Canada has evolved from what seemed like a joke to a serious attempt at subjugation. His demands extend beyond tariffs to control over Canada's external trade policy and even French labeling requirements—concessions that would effectively end Canadian sovereignty. Mark Carney has responded by rejecting these terms, choosing economic pain over subordination, with only 9% of Canadians now trusting the United States.
- Trump's demands include control over Canada's external trade policy and French labeling, not just tariff negotiations
- 76% of Canadian exports go to the US, over 60% of imports come from the US, with 2.5 million jobs dependent on US trade
- Only 9% of Canadians now trust the United States
- Trump wants the entire hemisphere subordinated to him, similar to Russia's approach with Belarus and Moldova
- Mark Carney described an American signature as 'often done in pencil' - you can't trust their deals
" You basically can't concede these things and still be a country. "
" I don't think he's erratic. I think there's a consistent theme here of trying to subjugate everybody in his neighborhood. "
" We've learned the hard way that an American signature is often done in pencil "
" Friday, August 21st, may go down in history as Canada's Liberation Day. It was a day America came for us, and we said no. "
The Opportunity for European-Canadian Alliance
Stewart and Campbell discuss the strategic opportunity for Britain and Europe to reach out to Canada as it faces American pressure. They explore the possibility of creating a 'third leg of the stool' alongside the US and China—a middle-power alliance built around rule of law, democracy, and decency. This could include Canada, the UK, EU nations, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf countries.
- Gulf countries feel strongly there needs to be a third leg to the stool beyond just US and China
- Mark Carney is already reaching out to the European Union, describing it as the second biggest economy in the world
- This alliance could be built around values: rule of law, decency, politics as a force for good, and anti-corruption
- France often says the right things about European strategic autonomy but others don't trust their motivations are genuinely collaborative
- King Charles could play a useful diplomatic role as head of state for both Canada and the UK
" This is a golden opportunity for the UK and Europe to reach out to one of the wealthiest, most stable countries in the world, one of our most natural allies. "
" Canada has decided not to get on the plane. "
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