The recent uproar over U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent ripples across the global diplomatic landscape. French Prime Minister François Bayrou didn’t mince words, slamming Trump’s Oval Office tactics as a “brutal” move to strong-arm Ukraine into compliance. This wasn’t just a blow to Ukraine’s sovereignty—it also laid bare the growing cracks in the Western alliance.
What’s happening here is bigger than a single diplomatic spat. It’s a sign of a broader transformation in how global power is structured. The United States, once seen as the unwavering leader of the free world, is now treating international relations like a series of business transactions. This transactional approach is eroding its global influence and speeding up a reshuffling of the world order.
For Canada, this is a wake-up call. The truth is, weaker nations often don’t have the luxury of a truly independent foreign policy—they’re at the mercy of stronger powers. Canada’s heavy reliance on traditional allies, especially the U.S., has left it exposed to the unpredictable shifts in American priorities. Washington’s focus on short-term economic gains over long-term alliances makes it clear: Canada needs to take charge of its own destiny.
So, what does that look like? For starters, Canada must pursue greater independence. That means building a stronger domestic economy, diversifying its international partnerships, and investing in self-sufficiency. Breaking down trade barriers between provinces, reducing dependence on foreign supply chains, and forging deeper economic ties with emerging global players are all critical steps.
But it’s not just about economics. Canada also needs to rethink its foreign policy. Betting too heavily on a nation that prioritizes quick wins over stability is a gamble. Instead, Canada should double down on multilateral relationships, taking a more active role in shaping global solutions rather than simply reacting to the moves of bigger powers.
The world is in flux, and Canada can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a moment for bold action—to build a more self-reliant future, strengthen the country’s economic foundations, and ensure that its foreign policy is driven by its own long-term interests, not the unpredictable agendas of global superpowers. The time to act is now.