Unorthodoxy continues

By Anas A Khan

The tone and decorum of the United Nations shifted dramatically the moment Donald Trump delivered his speech from its iconic podium. What had long been a forum for measured diplomacy and respect for international norms suddenly became a stage for open threats. His declaration that Iran could face “annihilation” was not just provocative; it represented an unprecedented breach of the principles that underpin the UN system. Leaders from around the world sat and listened, unable to do more than absorb a barrage of claims, accusations, and unverified statements. The shock was not only in the content of his speech but in the manner of its delivery, an unmistakable display of strong‑arm politics on the world’s most important diplomatic stage.

Trump’s approach to governing has been equally unconventional at home. His public appearances often resemble monologues rather than press briefings or cabinet discussions. Senior officials stand behind him silently, sometimes for extended periods, as he speaks without interruption. The image evokes not a modern democratic administration but a royal court in which the sovereign’s word is final and unquestioned. Even monarchies historically operated with protocols, hierarchies, and rules of conduct. Having worked in protocol, I know firsthand how carefully seating arrangements, name tags, and seniority are managed to reflect respect and order. Under Trump, these norms appear irrelevant; what matters is the projection of dominance.

This pattern of behavior extends beyond domestic optics and into his international dealings. Trump’s foreign policy has been marked by unpredictability, unilateralism, and a willingness to use threats as a negotiating tool. Allies and adversaries alike have been subjected to abrupt policy shifts, tariff threats, and public humiliation. Canada, despite its long‑standing partnership with the United States, has not been spared. Trump’s rhetoric toward Canada has oscillated between dismissive and openly hostile, suggesting that agreements, traditions, and shared values matter little when weighed against his personal political objectives.

The concern is not merely economic or diplomatic. When a leader repeatedly signals that he is willing to use force or the threat of force to achieve compliance, smaller nations must take notice. Trump has already demonstrated that he views international relationships through a transactional lens and is comfortable leveraging America’s military power as part of his bargaining strategy. While an actual invasion of Canada remains highly unlikely and would violate countless laws, treaties, and norms, the mere fact that such fears can be articulated shows how destabilizing his approach has become. When a president uses intimidation as a routine tactic, allies begin to question whether their sovereignty is secure.

Trump’s approval ratings heading into the midterm elections have declined, and even his most loyal supporters struggle to defend some of his more extreme statements. Yet the public narrative from his inner circle remains unchanged: everything is fine, everything is successful, and everything is “rosy.” This insistence on projecting strength, regardless of facts, reinforces the perception that Trump governs through pressure, spectacle, and the constant assertion of dominance. One possible explanation for the unexpectedly positive optics surrounding the Chinese President’s visit to the United States is that President Xi may have found Trump’s governing style appealing. What many analysts initially expected to be a subdued or even strained encounter has instead appeared relatively successful, perhaps because Xi responded favorably to Trump’s assertive, highly personalized approach to leadership and invited Trump and first lady to visit China a second time now.

In this environment, Canada must navigate carefully. The combination of Trump’s arbitrary decision‑making, his disregard for diplomatic norms, and his willingness to threaten other nations creates a volatile landscape. Canada cannot ignore the reality that its closest neighbor is led by a president who sees international relations not as partnerships but as contests of power. Strategic patience, diplomatic caution, and a clear understanding of the risks are essential as Canada faces a U.S. administration that operates unlike any in modern history.