While obvious differences exist between a shooting war in Iran and a trade dispute with Canada, the lessons are not dissimilar, writes Anthony Zurcher at BBC News. In both, the US faces a counterpart that, despite having far less overall power, retains the means to retaliate.
Canada, for its part, is beginning to test its own ability to inflict economic pain. Tuesday’s targeted tariffs mark a first step. Future measures could include restricting US access to Canadian energy and critical minerals, alongside consumer boycotts of American goods.
For the moment, clear exit ramps are scarce. Trump has escalated his rhetoric, repeatedly accusing Canada of “ripping off” the US, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford fired back by telling the American president to “kiss my ass”.
“Every time we push allies and partners away, I think we incentivize them to look for new relationships and new partnerships rather than trying to acquiesce to US demands,” said Imran Bayoumi, deputy director of the GeoStrategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council.
If the supposedly easygoing Canadians can stand up to their pugnacious – and powerful – neighbour, others may decide they can, too.