Canada in the Long Shadow of America First

Abstract

The America First agenda in the United States poses a major threat to Canada America First is marked by an enthusiasm for protectionism; a retreat from global engagement that echoes the isolationism of the 1930s; a rejection of global governance; an indifference towards a global leadership role for the United States; an embrace of illiberal and authoritarian leaders and a concomitant disdain for America’s traditional friends and allies in the West. The America First policy agenda enjoys the support of tens of millions of Americans. If the Democratic Party loses control of the White House and one or both houses of Congress, the consequences for the interests of Canadians will be profoundly negative.