Canadian imperialism in an era of “America first”

On the international stage, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought to present Canada and other “intermediate” powers as alternatives to U.S.-led imperial aggression under President Trump. Yet Canadian foreign policy remains steadfast in its support of the American Empire. In this short intervention, we argue that Canada continues to support American imperial power by providing diplomatic, ideological, and logistical support for U.S. military interventions in the Global South, alongside increased defense spending and securing supply chains for “defense-critical” minerals. This policy orientation—which reflects Canada's position as a secondary power in a U.S.-led capitalist Empire—is implemented at the expense of the peoples of the Global South, as well as workers and Indigenous people living in Canada.