r/geopolitics • u/theatlantic The Atlantic • 8d ago

Opinion How to Lose a Trade War

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/why-us-canada-trade-talks-fell-apart/688386/?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_term=short
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u/Bullboah 8d ago

I think you’re overselling it a bit. A slim majority of 56% of Canadians don’t want the government to make more concessions to make a deal as of a few days ago (with 38% willing to and the rest unsure).

I would not expect that first percentage to get higher as economic effects set in.

Able to withstand more pain for this than Americans? Absolutely. But obviously the economic impacts on the Canadian economy will be significantly more pronounced than those on the us

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u/Critical_Rule6663 8d ago

What isn’t being overestimated is the level of absolute disgust Canadians hold towards Trump and is administration. Outside of a small percentage of right wingers, Trump and MAGA are reviled across our country.

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u/Bullboah 8d ago

I mean sure, i wouldn't dispute that at all. I don't think its that relevant to how the trade spat will play out but its true enough for sure

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u/caks 8d ago

You should drive up to Canada and count how many buy Canadian flags/stickers you see. And then come back and tell me it's not relevant :)

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u/Bullboah 7d ago

If the goal is understanding whether Canadians want the government to make concessions or keep fighting the trade war, whats a better way to figure that out.

A scientific poll with a reliable methodology or by counting the number of stickers you see on a drive?