Vincent Rigby
Canada and the United States have arguably the closest and most comprehensive defense relationship of any two countries in the world. They share in the defense of the North American continent, particularly through NORAD, and work together to support international peace and security through myriad alliances and partnerships, including NATO and the Five Eyes. While the direct relationship between the U.S. and Canadian militaries remains close, political strains have emerged lately between Ottawa and Washington over a perceived lack of political commitment on the Canadian side to sustain and improve defense capability in the face of seismic shifts in the geostrategic landscape.
The United States and Canada will both face elections in the coming year, creating challenges and opportunities in setting expectations in defense spending. While it is difficult to predict whether recent steps by the Canadian government to increase defense spending and enhance military capabilities will impress the United States and other allies, there is little doubt that Washington will expect Canada to follow through on these commitments and likely do even more. The focus in Canada is currently on the possible implications of a Trump administration, especially given recent comments by the former president that he would refuse to protect NATO allies which do not meet the 2 percent defense spending target. For the United States, allied defense spending and capability, as well as a willingness to deploy troops to trouble spots in support of Western interests, will be a major litmus test. And for those that fail to respond, there will be a price to pay, including in other policy areas such as trade.
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