Donald Trump may appear to be exactly what Americans like, as long as his coercion and threats actually result in getting what Donald Trump wants. However, his art of the steal can only work for a limited time. Eventually, those he coerces, either by threat or action will come to reach a point where, irrespective of the pain involved, the threats will be unsuccessful, and the bullies actions resisted.
However Trump only knows one method, one way of business, of life and of politics. Either coercively threaten, whether by legal action, trade tribunals, or the imposition of tariffs on trade, or threaten by some force that is the equivalence of arms. One of the major flaws of this strategy lies in the existence of the other nation, party or organization to, — regardless of the damage done, resist at all costs.
Canada and Mexico are good examples. Essentially neighbours that have supported America, particularly Canada, so that each other found the means and the will to work collaboratively for the betterment of both, or all parties, depending on the agreement. Trump of course, will do what he has always done, to threaten. Suddenly, a man devoid of any honour, decides that it is in his personal best interest to threaten and coerce his neighbours. The first step was denigration, the second, trade restrictions, then tariffs, — and finally by suggesting that defending those countries, should they be attacked, would be based on their ability or willingness to pay. Essentially something only a ruthless person from the 1% would consider as a way forward.
It’s okay Canada, it’s just business. Really?
Well the reality is that, a sovereign people, watching a man devoid of honour, of truth, or courage, will come at some point, to conclude that the art of the steal, works both ways. America, can also feel loss and economic pain. Canada can shut off the pipes. The ones that carry oil and gas to America. It can build its own refineries and can ship its oil and gas to many nations in need. It can go so far as to use its large resource base to play chicken as well. America only has 4.9 years of strategic oil reserves based on current consumption. Canada? A mere 188 years. It can decide that those oil reserves, that gas and the needed power generation, strategic minerals, wood products and, yes, even water, be sold to ‘the highest bidder”.
Why not? We aren’t friends. It’s — just business.
Canadians have long memories. My father in 74 years never forgave Germany for WWII.
I’m my father’s son. How long do you think I’ll work against America’s interests if threatened?
Yes, standing up to Trump will cause pain. America is our principal trading partner. Canadians will suffer. But does any American, except for the simple-minded Republicans think for one moment that Canadians won’t exact as much pain on America as maximally possible if America damages Canadian interests, the lives of Canadians and their security?
Canada has the capacity to build its own weapons, ships, tanks, aircraft, and missiles. It will take some time, but it may well serve Canada’s long term strategic interests, no differently than Sweden and Finland managed to do for 80 years, and still do.
But America should also remember that once the bridges are burned, there will be no going back. Friends don’t threaten friends, and they certainly won’t be welcome anymore.
Yes, America can definitely win a zero-sum game, they are ten times more populous than Canada. But stabbing a friend in the back, or threatening to, usually results in the other party buying a gun.
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