Power has its boundaries, and Trump’s second term is proving that with each bold move.
Whether it is an armed conflict with Iran or a trade spat with Canada, the underlying lesson is the same: even a weaker opponent can wield effective retaliation against a superpower.
Iran’s leverage comes from its ability to strike U.S. allies and choke global shipping lanes, most notably the Strait of Hormuz.
Canada is now testing its capacity to cause economic pain. The targeted tariffs announced on Tuesday are only the opening salvo, with possible future actions ranging from limiting U.S. access to Canadian energy and critical minerals to organized boycotts of American products.
“As global commerce becomes increasingly framed by economic security concerns, the strategic use of supply‑chain chokepoints and leverage is becoming commonplace,” DeLong observed. “Countries simply need to identify where those advantages lie.”
There are few clear paths to de‑escalation at present. President Trump has intensified his rhetoric, accusing Canada of “ripping off” the United States, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded with a blunt insult, telling the president to “kiss my ass.”
“Every time we alienate allies and partners, we push them toward new relationships and partnerships instead of compelling them to concede to U.S. demands,” said Imran Bayoumi, deputy director of the GeoStrategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council.
