2026-03 – mackaycartoons

Saturday January 24, 2026

January 24, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 24, 2026

The Rise of the Carney Doctrine Amidst Political Turmoil

April 30, 2025

Mark Carney’s recent address at Davos has solidified his reputation as a statesman of vision and pragmatism. Widely celebrated as “the Carney Doctrine,” his speech called for middle powers to band together, reducing dependence on volatile major powers. The standing ovation he received underscored the global resonance of his message.

The NYT Opinion: The Carney Doctrine

Carney’s vision sharply contrasted with the chaotic spectacle presented by Donald Trump. Trump’s visit was marred by his “Donroe Doctrine,” wherein he threatened heavy tariffs on European allies if they refused to support his outlandish plan to acquire Greenland. This bullying tactic, part of a broader approach some describe as TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out), ultimately backfired, straining international relations.

As Trump ended his visit, he further damaged his standing by dismissing the sacrifices of NATO soldiers in the War on Terror during a media interview. This disgraceful departure capped a series of diplomatic blunders that alienated allies and eroded trust.

Opinion: How must the world stand up to Donald Trump?

November 6, 2025

Meanwhile, Carney returned to Canada invigorated, ready to turn his words into action. His focus on economic resilience and strategic partnerships stands in stark contrast to the internal challenges facing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Poilievre, on the brink of a leadership review, seems anchored to outdated, Trump-like strategies. While polls suggest he will retain his position, this alignment with divisive policies risks alienating the broader Canadian electorate who yearn for progress and unity.

The juxtaposition of Carney’s diplomatic success and Poilievre’s precarious position highlights a critical moment for Canada. Carney’s doctrine of collaboration and resilience offers a forward-looking path, while Poilievre’s potential “Doctrine” could perpetuate division.

Opinion: There’s a reason Pierre Poilievre’s critiques of Mark Carney keep falling flat. He’s stuck in 2024

October 17, 2025

As Canada chooses its future direction, embracing Carney’s blend of innovation and unity will be crucial in navigating a complex global landscape. The stakes are high, and the choice clear: will Canada embrace progress or revert to a past of discord and division?

Friday January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 23, 2026

Posted to The Week, and The Korea Times, and The Daily Cartoonist.

Trump’s “Board of Peace” – A Farcical Power Play

October 26, 2024

In what seems like a plot ripped from a 1960s James Bond film, former President Donald Trump has introduced the “Board of Peace,” an initiative that purports to establish an alternative to the United Nations. With Trump at the helm indefinitely, this board is emblematic of his unconventional and often alarming approach to international relations.

News: Trump rolls out his Board of Peace at the Davos forum, but many top US allies aren’t participating

The irony of this initiative is stark. Trump’s tenure has been marked by aggressive military posturing, such as the removal of Venezuela’s leader and threats to annex Greenland. These actions have consistently undermined the post-World War II rules-based order. His domestic policies, including the immunity granted to ICE, further exemplify a dismissive attitude toward the rule of law.

January 21, 2026

The Board of Peace demands a $1 billion entry fee from participants, with vague promises of humanitarian efforts. The lack of transparency and the centralization of power in Trump’s hands raise serious concerns about his true intentions. This initiative is less about peace and more about consolidating influence and reshaping global governance in Trump’s image.

Further complicating matters is the Board’s composition. While it includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and Qatar, major allies such as the UK and France have declined to participate, citing concerns about undermining existing international systems. Russia and China, while courted, remain noncommittal, highlighting the geopolitical complexities at play.

March 26, 2019

Beyond the political maneuvering, this initiative adds to a collection of gifts and accolades that have been lavished upon Trump, seemingly to bolster his legitimacy. Whether it’s the private jet from Qatar, a gold bar from Switzerland, or the controversial FIFA peace prize, these tokens serve to enhance his image despite the dubious nature of his leadership.

The premise of peace is noble, but the execution is farcical. The involvement of authoritarian leaders and the exclusion of key U.S. allies only add to the skepticism. It is a scheme that diverts valuable attention and resources, all under the guise of international cooperation.

Opinion: Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Would Have Global Scope but One Man in Charge

January 7, 2026

Trump’s proposal reflects a broader pattern of attempting to dismantle established norms and structures. By positioning himself at the centre of this new order, he challenges the very foundations of multilateral diplomacy. His approach raises questions about accountability, ethics, and the real goals behind this initiative.

This isn’t a thrilling movie plot—it’s a real-world scenario that demands scrutiny. Trump’s Board of Peace is yet another bizarre chapter in a series of strategies that reflect his unorthodox leadership and highlight the perils of placing unchecked power in the hands of one individual. As the world watches, it’s crucial to question and challenge such initiatives to safeguard the principles of true international peace and cooperation.

Thursday January 22, 2026

January 22, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 22, 2026

Also printed in The Toronto Star. Published in The Week.

Bluster vs. Stability in Economic Rhetoric

January 7, 2026

“The hottest economy.” That was the refrain — repeated, crowed, and brandished like a talisman — in a rambling Davos speech that mixed bluster with thin evidence and dangerous intent.

For all the applause lines and chest‑thumping, what played out was not a statesman defending American strength but a showman using economic power as a cudgel. The New York Times’ Ben Casselman (Jan. 20, 2026) was right to note that, beneath the headline resilience of GDP and low unemployment, the administration’s actions are systematically hollowing out the institutions and norms that produce lasting prosperity: politicizing independent agencies, muzzling statistical agencies, starving research, weaponizing trade, and throttling immigration. Reader responses to that piece — from small exporters losing European customers to worry about global trust in U.S. debt — are not hysteria; they are real‑world reports of reputational and commercial damage.

News: I was in the room when Trump addressed leaders in Davos. Here are my top takeaways

Available on at the boutique

Yes, there’s relief that talk of seizing Greenland by force has been shelved. But that’s a small mercy next to the administration’s full‑court press of tariffs, public threats to executives, and opaque interventions in private deals. Tariff “protectionism” is promoted as national renewal, yet it raises costs for Americans, frays supply chains, drives foreign buyers away (as one reader’s European dealer bluntly reported), and hands advantages to well‑placed foreign rivals. The immediate optics of “the hottest economy” obscure the slow bleed: higher input costs, weaker investment, and diminished talent flows that corrode potential growth over years and decades.

Contrast this with Mark Carney’s measured, global‑minded address — eloquent, sober, and oriented toward coalition building. Carney spoke as if the world still believed in rules, institutions, and mutual self‑interest: the language of middle powers coordinating to blunt coercive unilateralism. His speech was not Westminster buffoonery but strategy: build alliances, shore up institutions, and preserve the global public goods that underpin markets. Where Carney offers stewardship, the Davos performance by Trump offered bluster and brinkmanship.

Analysis: ‘Best speech by a world leader … in a very long time’: Carney’s Davos address draws global attention

November 18, 2024

This is not merely partisan spleen. Economists across the spectrum (from Kimberly Clausing to N. Gregory Mankiw) warn that institutional erosion, isolationist trade policies, and talent restrictions are antithetical to long‑run dynamism. The near‑term indicators make Trump’s boast defensible on narrow grounds; the broader trajectory he’s setting is worse: rising fiscal fragility, reputational loss, and weaker innovation — a compound interest of decline.

Analysis: Trump’s First Year Could Have Lasting Economic Consequences

January 21, 2016

Call it what it is: Trumpinomics. An American dumpster fire fuelled by ugly rhetoric, ad‑hoc interventions, and a transactional view of partnerships. Davos should have been a moment to reassure partners that America still honours treaties, respects expertise, and invests in the future. Instead, it was a spectacle of coercion and ego, a reminder that economic strength without institutional credibility is a brittle thing — loud today, costly tomorrow.

Wednesday January 21, 2026

January 21, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 21, 2026

The Method Behind Trump’s Madness

July 22, 2016

As the world watches President Trump’s actions unfold, a pattern emerges that suggests a calculated strategy to leverage instability for personal gain. From the controversial establishment of the “Board of Peace” to his disruptive rhetoric at global forums like Davos, Trump appears to be using his presidency not for public service but personal enrichment.

News: Trump Is the Ultimate Davos Man

The “Board of Peace” is a prime example of Trump’s strategy. Marketed as a body to oversee global conflicts, it demands exorbitant membership fees and places Trump at its helm for life. This initiative is criticized as resembling a kingdom more than a peace effort, undermining established institutions like the UN. The inclusion of Vladimir Putin, a global pariah due to his aggressive actions in Ukraine, only underscores the scheme’s absurdity, raising serious questions about its legitimacy and underlying motives. By aligning with such controversial figures, Trump appears to be prioritizing personal alliances over genuine peace efforts.

November 10, 2020

Trump’s presence at Davos further exemplifies his use of international platforms to advance personal agendas. Known for its focus on global economic cooperation, Davos becomes a stage where Trump can shift narratives from collaboration to U.S.-centric demands. This approach not only disrupts international unity but also positions Trump to secure deals that benefit his empire, illustrating a preference for personal gain over global solidarity.

The New York Times reports on Trump’s significant financial gains from overseas projects, media deals, and cryptocurrency ventures, all potentially influenced by his presidential power. These financial maneuvers blur the line between governance and personal profit, eroding democratic norms and raising ethical concerns. The intertwining of his business interests with presidential decisions paints a picture of governance driven by self-interest rather than national welfare.

News: What to Know About Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza

December 3, 2020

Trump’s irrational behaviour, always a hallmark of his leadership, now seems to be shifting into hyper drive. This amplification of erratic actions heightens global tensions and furthers his chaotic agenda, making it increasingly difficult for allies and adversaries alike to predict U.S. policies.

The world is witnessing an otherworldly scene as the leader of the “shining city on a hill” appears to abandon the values that, whether believed or disputed, formed a mythology that good people aspired to. This beacon of liberty seems dimmed, leaving former foes chortling as Trump sparks confusion and instability among America’s erstwhile allies. The erosion of these values not only impacts the U.S. but also threatens the global order, leaving nations uncertain and wary.

Comments from concerned citizens reflect a growing awareness of these tactics, with many calling for urgent legal action to address the administration’s perceived corruption. The sentiment is clear: preserving democratic values requires accountability and transparency in leadership. The fear is that unchecked, this behaviour could irreparably harm international relations and domestic governance.

Analysis: HOW TRUMP HAS POCKETED $1,408,500,000

April 2, 2024

Trump’s calculated chaos is more than mere erratic behaviour; it’s a methodical approach to self-enrichment at the expense of global stability. As the world grapples with the implications, it’s crucial to hold leaders accountable and ensure governance serves the people, not personal interests. The ongoing challenge is to safeguard democratic institutions from being hollowed out by personal ambition, ensuring that public service remains the cornerstone of leadership.

Tuesday January 20, 2026

January 20, 2026 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 20, 2026

Published in The Week.

Arctic Ambitions: A Call for Canadian Vigilance and Solidarity

January 8, 2026

In an era marked by geopolitical upheaval, the world finds itself grappling with a dual threat to international stability: Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the United States’ audacious bid for Greenland under President Trump. While the former is a tragic and immediate crisis, the latter presents a potential shift in global power dynamics that demands our urgent attention.

Trump’s fixation on Greenland, cloaked in rhetoric about strategic necessity, has diverted attention from the pressing need to support Ukraine against Russian invasion. This distraction is not merely an inconvenience; it is a strategic maneuver that risks undermining the cohesion of NATO and destabilizing the Arctic region.

News: Trump Has an Offramp on Greenland. He Doesn’t Seem to Want It

January 22, 2025

The implications of allowing Trump to succeed in acquiring Greenland are profound. Just as the world fears that unchecked Russian expansion in Ukraine could embolden further territorial ambitions, so too must we consider the precedent that a successful U.S. acquisition of Greenland would set. The specter of a “Donroe Doctrine” looms large, hinting at a U.S. policy of territorial expansion that could potentially threaten other nations within its sphere of influence, including Canada.

For Canada, this is not a distant hypothetical. As a nation sharing a vast border with the U.S., we must take these developments seriously. The possibility of American annexation ambitions extending northward cannot be dismissed. Thus, it is imperative for Canada to align itself with European allies in a coordinated response to this aggression.

August 19, 2025

Europe’s resolve to stand against Trump’s Greenland gambit is commendable. For Canada, solidarity with Europe is not just about supporting Denmark and Greenland; it is about safeguarding our own sovereignty. By denouncing Trump’s actions, Canada can reinforce its commitment to international law and multilateralism, principles that are essential for maintaining global order.

News: Canada weighs plans to send soldiers to Greenland as show of NATO solidarity

The strategic importance of the Arctic cannot be overstated. As melting ice opens new shipping lanes and resources become more accessible, the region’s geopolitical significance will only grow. Canada’s participation in NATO’s Arctic security efforts is crucial, not just for regional stability but for asserting our role as a responsible Arctic nation.

The world is at a crossroads. The decisions made today will shape the geopolitical landscape for generations. Canada must act decisively, standing with Europe to oppose unilateral territorial expansions that threaten global stability. By doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to sovereignty, alliance, and the principles of democracy that bind us to the international community. The time for vigilance and solidarity is now.