As a Canadian, many parts of my national identity have been formed in reaction to the US. My face when accused of Americanism is well practiced. My Canadian angel complex is sentient. Don’t get me wrong, bigotry runs North, but this is a different conversation.
With the election of a new Liberal leader, Mark Carney, and the upswing in support for his party amid aggression south of the border, Canadian politics is going through a turbulent moment. We are facing an attack from our greatest ally.
Canadian pride is on the rise. Fear is as well.
Concerning my panic, I attended an event organised by the Canada Embassy and the Centre for International Security last Wednesday. Stephen Saideman, Ina Kraft, and Julian Wucherpfennig tackled the question: Does the military have a role in upholding democracy? The question on my mind: How seriously should I take the threat of Canada becoming the 51st state? Amid an unprecedented trade war, nothing seems too absurd.
Saideman both eased my mind and set off alarm bells. Although a full blown invasion of Canada is unlikely for a myriad of reasons (faith in military civic education included), these are unbelievable times. The lines between partisan and nonpartisan are increasingly blurring. White supremacy is becoming normalized. Trump’s ideas are known to mutate, as Saideman says.
Yet, all is not lost. I have faith in Canadian diplomacy and resilience, and hope that the American military keeps their oath to the constitution, not a man.
Danielle is a Master of International Affairs student at the Hertie School 2026 cohort.
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