Is a ‘world order in upheaval’ leading Canada into a new leadershiprole?
Why geopolitical upheavals will redefine Canada's role in the international world order and in the transatlantic alliance
The ongoing trade war with the United States remains one of the country’s greatest challenges. Canada therefore intends to further expand its partnerships with Europe and the Indo‑Pacific region. As early as November 2025, Carney spoke of an epochal rupture and a shift toward a new world order that may be shaped by serious conflicts and a closer alignment among middle powers. The anticipated withdrawal of the United States could herald profound changes to the “old NATO” and necessitate a new security architecture. Canada will now have to demonstrate its readiness to assume greater responsibility and leadership as a middle power.
However, the challenges facing the incumbent Carney government remain enormous—particularly on the domestic front. High unemployment, especially among younger generations, a shortage of affordable housing, and substantial defence spending require clear answers and a decisive political course. Prime Minister Carney and his minority government must deliver.
Dr. Bernd Althusmann, Marie Yamada
February 5, 2026
Country reports
Canada’s Arctic in the geopolitical spotlight: USA vs. China
Read how Canadian Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot where the USA and China are seeking to gain influence using different strategies, written by Ms. Pauline Springer.
The Canadian Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot where the USA and China are seeking to gain influence using different strategies. For Canada, this means growing dependence in terms of security policy and the danger of creeping influence—with direct consequences for sovereignty and indigenous communities in the north.
December 2, 2025
Country reports
Enduring Partnership or Ambitious Agenda?
Read the article by Dr. Lilit Klein, Insights into International Order from Canada and the EU’s Security and Defence Partnership.
Take a look at what drives this unprecedented security cooperation between two prominent middle powers, and what insights does it offer into an evolving international order shaped by changing strategic commitments?
December 2, 2025
Country reports
Atlantic Spotlight Series
Please read new policy series "Atlantic Spotlight", in which experts publish their assessments on current security policy issues prioritizing transatlantic partnership.
Read articles of the 2025/2026 period, and we invite you all to read publications, and write any feedback/opinions you might have!
September 11, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / NurPhoto
Canada has voted
A new course is being set
In the midst of a serious crisis with the USA, Canada is once again governed by a Liberal minority government following early elections. Despite good results, the Conservatives miss out on what they thought was a certain election victory. Canada appears to be on the way to a two-party system.
Dr. Bernd Althusmann
May 6, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Middle East Images
Canada faces the threat of a trade war with the U.S. in this election year!
The EU and Canada should respond more strongly together.
The punitive tariffs threatened by U.S. President Trump against Canada and Mexico have only been postponed, not canceled. There will be losers on both sides – not just in the U.S. and Canada, but also in Europe. Canada and the EU are already preparing effective countermeasures. As in 2018, the EU is once again focusing on trade with the U.S. The CETA agreement could serve as a suitable and joint protective shield for both partners. The ongoing election campaign in Canada is unexpectedly being pushed in a new direction as a result.
Dr. Bernd Althusmann
February 18, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press
The U.S. Elections and the End of Comfort for the Canadian Government
Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway
The presidential elections in the U.S. have triggered an unexpectedly hectic activity in Canadian government policy. For Justin Trudeau's minority government, which was almost written off, new opportunities have emerged—at least in the short term—to demonstrate its ability to act in challenging times. Just a few weeks before taking over the G7 presidency, the election campaign in Canada is already well underway. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, continue to lead decisively in all polls.
Dr. Bernd Althusmann
December 12, 2024
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press
Slow, Agonizing - and Unstoppable: the End of the Trudeau Era is Approaching
The Prime Minister and his difficult farewell to power
Canada in the summer of 2024: the government's run of bad luck - critics would say ongoing poor performance - has continued for almost 20 months. Hardly a week goes by without a new piece of bad news hitting the media. In the face of this misery, however, the head of government appears outwardly unimpressed - for now.
Dr. Norbert Eschborn
July 31, 2024
Country reports
KAS Canada/Annika Weikinnis
Worst poll results since 2015: Justin Trudeau becomes a burden for his party
Canada's Conservatives are riding a mood high
The dissatisfaction of the Canadian population with their governing party and its leader has reached new depths. There seems to be no end in sight to the Liberals' 15-month slide. The popularity of both the party and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has steadily declined, and the latest results of opinion polls by Canada's leading institutes are not likely to reassure the Liberals' worried base. At the same time, the Conservatives (CPC) under their charismatic leader Pierre Poilievre are basking in poll results that currently even suggest that a majority government for the party, which has remained in opposition since 2015, is possible.
Dr. Norbert Eschborn
September 20, 2023
Country reports
IMAGO / NurPhoto
Why Charles III will not also be Charles the Last for Canada
Despite Canadians' discomfort with the monarchy and their British king: for now, the crown is not replaceable
On May 2, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the target of an unusual attack. During Question Period of the Canadian House of Commons, Rhéal Éloi Fortin, a member of the opposition Bloc Québécois (BC) from the French-speaking part of Canada, expressed his disapproval of the Prime Minister's participation in the coronation of Charles III on May 6 in London. Trudeau had therefore specially adjusted his schedule and left the concurrent party convention of his governing Liberals only after the first day, May 4, in order to arrive in Europe on time. "He could have sent someone in his place, such as a minister, but his priority is to prostrate himself before the king," Fortin shouted loudly into the chamber. By then, however, Trudeau had already left it, and his Canadian Heritage Minister had to fend off the attack. True, as a regional party, the BC has traditionally been anti-British and anti-monarchist - as early as the 18th century, France had to cede large parts of its Canadian possessions to Great Britain. But Fortin's contribution, placed specifically at the start of Coronation Week in Great Britain, tapped into a currently quite measurable antipathy throughout Canada toward the British monarchy and its still authoritative role in the country.
