By Matt Underwood Brian Schatz says the US “absolutely rolled” by China-Canada trade deal, and it’s hard to disagree. The situation, as he lays it out, is a foreign policy fumble with real economic consequences, plain and simple. It’s a classic case of a country shooting itself in the foot, driven by a lack of understanding about the basic rules of international relations. The core principle, as Schatz points out, is loyalty to friends. And the US, by many accounts, wasn’t just disloyal; it was actively hostile. And now, here we are.
For anyone paying attention, this feels like a predictable outcome. The US, with its often erratic and self-serving trade policies, has alienated its allies, creating an environment where Canada, understandably, sought alternative options. The reaction from certain corners of the US, particularly the more nationalistic factions, is almost comical. There’s this sense of disbelief, a “how dare they?” attitude, as if the world should simply bend to the US’s will regardless of its actions. It’s the equivalent of constantly punching your friends in the face and then being surprised when they start hanging out across the street.
The circumstances here do make you wonder, what did the US expect Canada to do? It’s not like the US was offering much in the way of a compelling alternative. With tariffs, threats, and a general lack of respect, the US practically paved the way for Canada to seek a more stable and beneficial relationship with China. You can almost see China, in this scenario, intentionally crafting a sweet deal to further twist the knife in US-Canada relations. The question becomes, could the US have prevented this? The answer, sadly, seems to be a resounding yes. It would have meant treating Canada with respect, working collaboratively, and prioritizing mutual benefit. But that clearly wasn’t the path chosen.
The whole situation highlights the dangers of isolationism and protectionism. For many in the US, the idea is that they don’t need anyone else; they’re strong enough to go it alone. But in the interconnected world of the 21st century, that’s a dangerous delusion. Trade relationships are built on trust and mutual advantage. When those are eroded, countries like Canada will naturally seek out partners that offer those things. The US, by its own actions, created a vacuum, and China was only too happy to fill it. It’s a textbook example of a country losing its influence through its own mistakes.
The responses from various corners in the US are interesting to examine. Some are just angry. Some seem to revel in the US’s predicament, viewing it as a deserved comeuppance. Others express a sense of shame and disappointment, acknowledging that the US has brought this upon itself. There’s the acknowledgement that the US has been an unreliable trading partner, and that, consequently, it shouldn’t be surprised that other nations are now looking elsewhere. There is the stark recognition that the US does not represent the free market, and as a result, many are seeing the decline of America.
The whole episode is a perfect illustration of the limits of short-sightedness and the power of long-term thinking. This is a game of chess, not checkers, and the US appears to have been playing checkers while its rivals were planning several moves ahead. The US now has a significant, and potentially very powerful, rival right on its border. The consequences of this will undoubtedly reverberate for decades to come, and America will need to apologize.
It all boils down to a fundamental lack of respect. When you treat your neighbors and trading partners poorly, they’re going to seek out better options. It’s a simple, undeniable fact. The US, in its pursuit of short-term gains and nationalistic posturing, has sacrificed long-term relationships and strategic advantages. This “roll” by China-Canada is not just a trade deal; it’s a symptom of a larger problem, a reflection of a US that has lost its way, and a harsh lesson in the realities of international politics. The US needs to do some serious soul-searching and start treating the world with the respect and consideration it deserves. Otherwise, this won’t be the last time it gets “absolutely rolled.”