The Uneasy State Of Canada–U.S. Relations

March 31, 2025

In this volume of essays, contributors were invited to share their thoughts and insights about the suddenly turbulent relations between Canada and the United States. More specifically, with the distantly historical War of 1812 as a reference point, it was noted that “since then, with some exceptions, Canada and the United States have maintained a long-standing relationship marked by shared borders, important commercial and cultural ties, and vital defence and national security partnerships... But with the reaction sparked by President Trump’s incessant provocations, are we witnessing an important shift in the relationship? What might this change imply for our economic ties, border security and other aspects of our shared future?” The response from our stellar lineup of writers explores all of this and much more. This edition of Canadian Issues/Thèmes Canadiens offers a range of visceral reactions, probing reflections and thoughtful strategizing as Canada’s new Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney – along with provincial and territorial premiers reeling from the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports – charts a course through choppy boundary waters.