As a NATO and NORAD member, Canada plays a crucial role in North American continental defense. With the United States now pursuing an expanded continental missile defense posture dubbed the Golden Dome, the Canada-U.S. relationship may be entering a new phase. While the Golden Dome could prove beneficial in advancing Canada’s security strategy, it remains unclear what Canada’s involvement would actually look like, how much protection it would receive under the Golden Dome, and to what extent President Trump’s annexation rhetoric will undermine the Canadian public’s willingness to entertain the missile defense initiative.
In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Phillippe Lagassé, Associate Professor with the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Together they discuss Canada's historical position on continental missile defense, changes to the threat landscape faced by Canada, and how the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney is approaching defense modernization priorities. They also discuss the effect of ongoing U.S.-Canada tensions on the likelihood that Canada will move forward with participation in the Golden Dome.
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29:47
Mexico's Semiconductor Moment
With the Indo-Pacific an increasingly volatile region, successive U.S. administrations have sought to shift semiconductor manufacturing back to the Western Hemisphere in general and United States in particular. However, a push to shift the balance of semiconductor production away from Asia also creates opportunities for Mexico, which could be well-positioned to complement the United States’ industrial policy as well as grow its own microelectronics industry.
In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Jesús Silva Elizalde, Associate Director of ITSI Program Operations at Arizona State University and a Research Fellow with the U.S.-Mexico Foundation. Together, they discuss the state of U.S.-Mexico semiconductor cooperation, and Mexico's strategy to further develop its chips industry. They also unpack the ways in which tensions between the two countries risk undermining the potential for increased semiconductor supply chain security, and what the Sheinbaum and Trump administrations can do moving forward.
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28:41
The Aftermath of Canada’s Elections
Prime Minister Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to a narrow victory in Canada’s pivotal election in April 28. Running a campaign centered on uniting Canadians against U.S. President Trump’s annexation threats and punitive tariffs, Mr. Carney orchestrated a remarkable political comeback for the Liberals, who had been expected to suffer a landslide defeat until a few months earlier. Despite the win, Mr. Carney now faces the steep challenge of governing with a minority. His ability to deliver on domestic issues will shape his legacy as much as his handling of relations with Washington. Balancing these priorities will not be an easy task, and Prime Minister Carney has no time to waste.
In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Andrew Potter, author and associate professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. Together, they discuss the factors that shaped the election, and the challenges confronting Prime Minister Carney, and Canada as a whole. They also discuss the future of the Canadian Conservative Party under the continued leadership of Pierre Poilievre.
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29:58
A New U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation Paradigm
President Trump’s return to the White House has brought a radical shift in U.S.-Mexico ties, reshaping relations between the two neighbors. Within his first 100 days in office, the U.S. President declared a “national emergency” at the southern border, directed U.S. troops to help seal it, designated several Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and threatened to impose tariffs on Mexican imports unless tougher action is taken to curb the flow of fentanyl and migrants. While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has so far proven capable of navigating President Trump’s hardline negotiation style, the road ahead for U.S-Mexico security cooperation remains uncertain.
In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, Head of the North American Observatory at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime. Together, they discuss the security challenges faced by Mexico, as well as the stresses and opportunities presented by the second Trump administration for U.S.-Mexico cooperation. They also delve into the differences in President Sheinbaum's security policy and where there may be signs of a shifting approach from her predecessor.
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27:09
Canada First or Canada Strong?
On March 23, newly minted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called snap elections for April 28, kicking off a 37-day sprint campaign to determine Canada’s future at a critical moment. The race puts incumbent Prime Minister Carney—who assumed leadership of the Liberal Party following Justin Trudeau’s resignation as prime minister—, head-to-head with Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party. Regardless of who comes out on top, the next leader of Canada will inherit a tense relationship with the United States, public pressure at home to revive Canada's economy, and an increasingly fraught global security environment that tests Canada’s sovereignty.
In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Paul Wells, a veteran journalist and author on Canadian politics and public affairs. Together, they discuss the key issues framing this election, the reasons for the Liberal Party's surge in the polls, and how the next Canadian leader will approach an increasingly fraught relationship with the United States.
The CSIS Americas Program podcast looks at the politics and policies of the 35 countries in the Western Hemisphere. It especially focuses on U.S. engagement with the region, whether on trade, diplomacy, or security issues like drugs and terrorism. Guests include top policymakers from the U.S. and other countries.
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