coercion

Friday February 7, 2025

Donald Trump’s second-term rhetoric and policies signal a shift from isolationism to economic and territorial expansionism, challenging global stability and international norms.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay – Friday February 7, 2025

The Art of the Steal: Trump’s Expansionist Playbook

January 11, 2025

The international community must take seriously the expansionist language and unilateral ambitions emerging from Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States. His recent proclamations—suggesting U.S. control over Gaza, acquiring Greenland, and reclaiming the Panama Canal—signal a shift from isolationist nationalism to a brand of expansionism that disregards international norms and territorial sovereignty.

Trump’s expansionist rhetoric is not limited to territorial ambitions; it is reinforced by aggressive economic policies designed to strong-arm other nations into submission. His imposition of steep tariffs—such as the 25% levies threatened against Canada and Mexico, and increased tariffs on China—demonstrates a weaponization of trade that pressures allies and rivals alike. By using the immense economic power of the United States as leverage, Trump is effectively waging economic warfare, forcing other nations into compliance while undermining the principles of free and fair trade.

Analysis: ‘America First,’ then the world

Trump's "America First" policy is straining alliances and diminishing U.S. global leadership, while unilateral actions risk undermining international cooperation.

February 5, 2025

History has shown that American expansionist rhetoric, when left unchecked, has often translated into real geopolitical shifts. From the annexation of Hawaii to the occupation of the Philippines, the United States has repeatedly expanded its reach under the justification of economic, security, or ideological imperatives. Trump’s statements, even if initially framed as bluster, have the potential to set dangerous precedents, embolden unilateral action, and destabilize global security.

Beyond territorial ambitions and economic coercion, Trump’s undermining of multilateral institutions—such as the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and global climate accords—further weakens the mechanisms designed to prevent such expansionist tendencies from escalating into conflict. His posture toward Ukraine, signaling an openness to Russian territorial gains, raises additional alarms about a world order where might dictates right.

Governments and international organizations must not dismiss these statements as mere rhetoric. Diplomatic, economic, and strategic coalitions should be reinforced to deter any actions that would threaten sovereignty, human rights, or the stability of regions already under strain. The world has seen the consequences of unchecked imperial ambitions before—ignoring the warning signs today would be a failure of global leadership.

This editorial cartoon has been re-adapted from one published September 20, 2017.

Saturday February 16, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 16, 2019

Lisa MacLeod tweets apology, after calls to resign over autism controversy

Ontario’s social services minister said Thursday that she was sorry if she made anyone feel threatened, after behaviour analysts said she warned them of consequences if they didn’t support her new autism program.

February 15, 2019

Lisa MacLeod is resisting calls for her resignation in the wake of the comment, and her apology came late Thursday after the premier was peppered with questions about the remark.

“It’s been an emotional time,” MacLeod wrote on Twitter. “This is an issue I take very personally, and I apologize if my comments made anyone feel threatened or uncomfortable.”

Earlier Thursday, Premier Doug Ford ruled out asking MacLeod to quit cabinet, calling her an “absolute all-star.”

“I would never ever — I want to repeat that — ever ask Lisa to resign. She’s done an incredible job and let’s just make sure it’s factual,” Ford said after an unrelated announcement.

August 21, 2018

MacLeod’s office never denied the assertion, made by the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysts. Instead, it issued a statement saying that despite “collaborative dialogues,” the association was “unwavering” in its desire to self-regulate — and unwilling to work with the government.

The group disputes that, and said MacLeod and her staff requested a quote of support a few days before the new program was announced.

“(They) indicated that failure to do so would result in ‘four long years’ for the organization,” the association said. “The minister also indicated that if a quote of support was not forthcoming, a communication that behaviour analysts are ‘self-interested’ would be released from her office.”

The association, parents and advocates say the revamped autism program will leave many children without the level of therapy they need. (Source: CBC News)