Trump Just Turned Canada Into an Enemy — Carney Is Fighting Back (ft. Anne Applebaum) · Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov summary

Key takeaways

The U.S.-Canada trade war has escalated, with Canada strongly retaliating and perceiving itself as under attack by the U.S.
Traditional U.S. alliances, especially NATO, are undergoing a significant realignment as European countries prepare for a future without unconditional U.S. leadership.
The Iran conflict is ongoing with no clear resolution, and regional power dynamics are shifting as Iran gains influence while U.S. military presence diminishes.
Ukraine maintains internal political stability despite challenges, and its military adaptation—especially using drones—may shape future warfare.
Shifts in U.S. military strategy, particularly the deprioritization of drone warfare, could weaken U.S. dominance in modern battlefields.
Globally, countries are increasingly viewing the U.S. as decline, leading to the emergence of new alliances and a less predictable international order.

Summary

U.S.-Canada Trade War Escalation and Reactions

The podcast begins with a detailed discussion of the recent escalation in the U.S.-Canada trade relations, triggered by the collapse of trade talks just before a deadline. This resulted in the U.S. implementing a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including hockey sticks, liquor, and building materials. President Trump’s comments that Canada no longer should be treated like a state prompted a fierce Canadian response, with Prime Minister Mark Carney declaring their country is 'at war' with the U.S. and retaliating with tariffs of their own. The exchange highlights a shift from cooperative trade to a zero-sum game where Canada perceives itself under attack, signaling an end of a more mutually beneficial era of international trade.

The Future of NATO and European Alliances

The podcast explores the geopolitical shifts within Europe amid the changing U.S. stance under Trump. European countries are gradually distancing from reliance on U.S. military and economic dominance, preparing for a future without unwavering U.S. leadership. Mark Carney’s strong stance against the U.S. tariffs is seen as a signal of this new independence. Countries are forming new security and trade arrangements, reflecting a strategic realignment in response to the perception of an America retreating from its global leadership role, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Iran Conflict and Middle East Dynamics

There is an analysis of the ongoing Iran conflict, with Iran’s economy severely impacted by U.S. sanctions and internal divisions over whether to escalate or pursue negotiations. The U.S. announces an aggressive economic campaign, while Iran warns that aligning with U.S. sanctions could be considered acts of war. The discussion covers the changing regional power dynamics, especially Iran’s increasing influence, and the U.S. military’s diminished presence and influence in the Middle East, with a focus on the impact of drone technology and shifts in warfare strategies.

Support and Challenges for Ukraine amidst War and Political Instability

The segment discusses the internal and external pressures on Ukraine, including corruption investigations and political dissent. Despite calls for elections and internal challenges, President Zelensky enjoys broad support due to his wartime leadership. The U.S. and European support is crucial, though U.S. aid is waning, and Ukraine is increasingly self-reliant with European financial and military assistance. The discussion also emphasizes how Ukraine’s ongoing resistance and newly developed military industries are changing regional power balances.

U.S. Military Strategy and Technological Adaptation in Warfare

The conversation shifts to the U.S. military’s evolving approach to warfare, highlighting the significance of drone technology. The recent disbanding of a proposed 600-soldier drone battalion raises questions about U.S. strategic priorities, especially given Ukraine’s advancements using drones. The discussion underscores that drones are transforming combat, making traditional equipment like tanks and helicopters obsolete in many scenarios. There is concern that the U.S. is neglecting this crucial shift, which could leave it behind in future conflicts.

Global Perceptions of U.S. Power and Future Alliances

Finally, the podcast notes that countries worldwide closely monitor U.S. political shifts and strategic decisions, perceiving current American policies as signs of decline. There is widespread concern that the U.S. is retreating from its role as a global leader, which is shaping new regional alliances and reducing American influence. High-level conversations across Europe and beyond indicate a deep awareness of America's geopolitical transformation and its implications for global stability.

Show notes

Jessica Tarlov is joined by Anne Applebaum, staff writer for The Atlantic and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian. They open with the U.S.-Canada trade war, which escalated dramatically over the weekend when talks collapsed minutes before a deadline, triggering 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods including hockey sticks, building materials, liquor, and clothing.

Trump responded by saying Canada "wants the benefits of being a state, without being one." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by declaring the U.S. "at war" with Canada and announcing dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, effective September 8th. Is Carney showing the kind of resolve other foreign leaders should be emulating?

On the bigger world stage, Jess and Anne take a look at the precarious state of U.S. alliances — NATO, in particular. Eastern allies are now offering to shoulder more of the costs of hosting U.S. troops, apparently in an effort to appease Trump, as the U.S. continues to scale back its commitments to the alliance. Anne and Jess assess NATO's options in the context of an ongoing Ukraine war and a retreating America, and whether the long-term survival of the alliance is genuinely at risk.

Six months into the Iran conflict with no end in sight, the Trump administration is dramatically escalating economic pressure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is unveiling what he calls the "single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary," threatening to isolate any country that continues doing business with Iran. Iran's currency has hit a record low, divisions are emerging within its leadership over whether to fight or talk, and Iran is warning neighboring countries that aligning with the U.S. could constitute an "act of war." They also discuss how the relationship between the U.S. and Israel is shifting as a result of this conflict.

Stars and Stripes, the independent military newspaper, has been reporting on the 1,300 military families evacuated from Bahrain who, six months into the Iran war, still cannot return home and are facing tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. Defense Secretary Hegseth has now fired senior staffers at the paper. Anne and Jessica discuss what that move says about press freedom under this administration — and Anne draws on her extensive reporting on Viktor Orbán's Hungary, where a years-long campaign to weaken independent media ultimately failed to save his government. Is there a lesson there for what happens when a government tries to control the information its citizens see?

In Ukraine, pressure is mounting on multiple fronts simultaneously. Anti-corruption investigators have released tapes alleging senior officials treated corruption as routine. Former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is openly challenging Zelensky and calling for elections. Russia is escalating attacks on civilians. Ukraine faces a $27 billion defense shortfall. And political divisions inside Kyiv are deepening. How serious is this political crisis for Zelensky?

And finally: the U.S. Army created a 600-soldier drone battalion earlier this year to learn from Ukraine and prepare for the future of warfare. Months later, it's being phased out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Is this a strategic correction, or is America falling dangerously behind on drone warfare already defining modern battlefields?

Get your tickets now for our live show at 92NY: https://www.92ny.org/event/scott-galloway-and-jessica-tarlov

For ad-free episodes, exclusive livestreams, and to connect with Scott, Jessica, and the Raging Moderates community, join us at ProfG+ on Substack: https://ragingmoderates.profgmedia.com/

Get The Monday Rage newsletter: https://profgmedia.com/s/monday-rage/

Follow Raging Moderates on IG, Tiktok, and Facebook:

https://www.instagram.com/ragingmoderatespod/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ragingmoderates

https://www.facebook.com/ragingmoderates

Follow Jessica Tarlov on Instagram, Substack, and Bluesky:

https://instagram.com/jessicatarlov

https://substack.com/@jessietarlov

https://bsky.app/profile/jessicatarlov.bsky.social

Follow Scott on Instagram, Substack, and Bluesky:

https://instagram.com/profgalloway

https://substack.com/@profgalloway