Canada and the United States are often juxtaposed in discussions of international influence. Canada is globally respected as a soft power nation, recognized for its human rights advocacy, humanitarian projects, and peacekeeping initiatives. Conversely, the United States has been feared for its hard power approach, exerting military and economic control, expanding its territorial jurisdictions, and engaging in foreign interventions. This comparative analysis examines these two contrasting approaches and evaluates the implications of President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ideology, particularly its hemispheric control ambitions and Canada’s response to such influences.
Canada’s Soft Power: Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and Peacekeeping
Historical Foundations of Canadian Soft Power
Canada’s international reputation as a soft power nation stems from its foundational commitment to human rights and global peace. One of the most notable contributions was by Canadian diplomat John Peters Humphrey, who played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 (Glendon, 2001). This document set a global standard for human rights protection and aligned Canada with values of diplomacy and humanitarianism.
Canada has also been a key player in peacekeeping efforts since the mid-20th century. Lester B. Pearson, a former Canadian Prime Minister, was instrumental in the creation of United Nations peacekeeping forces during the Suez Crisis of 1956 (Hillmer, 2016). His efforts not only resolved the crisis but also established a precedent for Canada’s role in global peacekeeping, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.
Humanitarian Projects and Global Engagement
Canada’s commitment to humanitarianism is demonstrated through its foreign aid programs and international development initiatives. The country consistently supports human rights organizations, provides asylum to refugees, and contributes to disaster relief efforts worldwide. Notably, Canada has been a leading advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and indigenous rights, integrating these concerns into its foreign policy agenda (Nossal, Roussel, & Paquin, 2015).
One significant example of Canada’s humanitarian leadership is its role in banning landmines. The 1997 Ottawa Treaty, championed by Canada, sought to eliminate the use of anti-personnel landmines globally, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to human security over military dominance (Axworthy, 2003).
Commitment to Peacekeeping
Canada has participated in numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing force in global conflicts. The country has deployed troops and provided logistical support to missions in Rwanda, Bosnia, Haiti, and Mali (Dorn, 2016). Unlike the United States, which often intervenes militarily for strategic interests, Canada engages in peacekeeping to mediate conflicts and promote stability.
The United States’ Hard Power Approach: Expansion and Control
Policing the World: Military Interventions
The United States has long maintained its status as the world’s predominant military power, with a presence in multiple global conflicts. Its foreign policy has been characterized by interventionism, justified under the banner of protecting democracy and national security. However, this approach has often led to long-term instability, as seen in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan (Bacevich, 2016).
The U.S. military has been accused of numerous human rights violations during wartime, including drone strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties, enhanced interrogation tactics bordering on torture, and violations of international humanitarian law (Chomsky, 2017). These actions have contributed to a global perception of the United States as an aggressor rather than a protector.
Economic Control and Influence
Beyond military interventions, the U.S. exerts significant influence through economic means. By controlling major global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the United States has been able to impose economic policies on developing nations, often to the detriment of their sovereignty (Stiglitz, 2002).
Trade policies and sanctions are additional tools used by the U.S. to exert influence. The Trump administration imposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, causing economic strain and disrupting trade relationships (Hale, 2020). Such actions have reinforced the image of the U.S. as a nation that prioritizes control over cooperation.
Territorial Expansion and Sovereignty Violations
Throughout history, the U.S. has engaged in territorial expansion, from the annexation of Hawaii and Puerto Rico to its military presence in the Middle East (Immerman, 2010). The expansion of U.S. military bases worldwide has fueled concerns about its strategic ambitions and disregard for national sovereignty in weaker nations.
Trump’s MAGA Ideology and Hemispheric Control
The MAGA Mindset: A Threat to Global Stability
Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ideology emphasized American dominance over its allies and adversaries alike. This mindset translated into foreign policies that sought to reinforce U.S. control over North America. Trump’s rhetoric often suggested an assertive, even aggressive, approach toward Canada and Mexico, with discussions of economic coercion and, at times, outright annexation (Gans, 2019).
Under Trump, the United States pursued policies that undermined multilateral agreements, withdrew from international organizations, and promoted a unilateral approach to diplomacy. His administration’s actions included imposing tariffs, renegotiating trade agreements under threats, and pressuring allies to increase defense spending in a manner that served U.S. strategic interests (Cooper, 2020).
Implications for North American Society
The MAGA ideology’s emphasis on unilateral action and American supremacy can have profound effects on North American society. For instance, the imposition of tariffs on neighboring countries disrupts integrated economies, leading to job losses, increased consumer prices, and strained diplomatic relations. Such policies can foster resentment and reduce cooperation on critical issues like security, environmental protection, and public health (Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico will be a blow to all 3 economies, 2025).
Canada’s Response and Determination to Uphold Sovereignty
In the face of aggressive U.S. policies, Canada has demonstrated a commitment to defending its sovereignty and values. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly rejected notions of annexation and emphasized Canada’s independence. Additionally, Canada has sought to diversify its trade partnerships and reduce economic reliance on the U.S., aiming to mitigate the impact of tariffs and protect its economic interests (Trump’s tariffs are delayed but they have already done long-term damage to US–Canada relations, 2025).
Canada continues to uphold its tradition of multilateralism, engaging with international organizations and alliances to promote global stability and human rights. This approach not only reinforces Canada’s soft power but also serves as a counterbalance to unilateral actions that threaten the established international order.
Conclusion
The contrasting approaches of Canada and the United States in wielding international influence—through soft power and hard power, respectively—highlight differing philosophies in foreign policy and global engagement. Canada’s emphasis on human rights, humanitarian efforts, and peacekeeping has fostered respect and collaboration on the world stage. In contrast, the U.S.’s reliance on military intervention and economic coercion has often engendered fear and resistance. As the MAGA ideology continues to shape U.S. policies, Canada’s resolve to maintain its sovereignty and uphold its values remains steadfast, reflecting a commitment to a rules-based international order and the principles of peace and cooperation.
References
Axworthy, L. (2003). Navigating a new world: Canada’s global future. Knopf Canada.
Bacevich, A. J. (2016). America’s war for the Greater Middle East: A military history. Random House.
Chomsky, N. (2017). Who rules the world? Metropolitan Books.
Cooper, A. F. (2020). The global order and Trump’s challenge. International Journal, 75(3), 311-328.
Dorn, W. (2016). Air power in UN operations: Wings for peace. Ashgate Publishing.
Gans, C. (2019). Nationalism and global order: The challenges of MAGA. Cambridge University Press.
Glendon, M. A. (2001). A world made new: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Random House.
Hale, G. (2020). The politics of trade: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. UBC Press.
Hillmer, N. (2016). Lester Pearson and the dream of peacekeeping. University of Toronto Press.
Immerman, R. H. (2010). Empire for liberty: A history of American imperialism from Benjamin Franklin to Paul Wolfowitz. Princeton University Press.
Nossal, K. R., Roussel, S., & Paquin, S. (2015). International policy and politics in Canada. Pearson Canada.
Stiglitz, J. E. (2002). Globalization and its discontents. W.W. Norton & Company.
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