In this episode of "ask ian," Ian Bremmer breaks down the growing rift between the US and Canada, calling it “permanent damage” to one of the world’s closest alliances.

Ian warns that “so many countries around the world find the Americans less predictable, less reliable, less trustworthy.” He highlights tensions over tariffs, trade deals, and diplomatic missteps, noting that Canadian leaders like Prime Minister Mark Carney are seeking to hedge their country’s bets by strengthening ties with Europe and China.

Looking at the broader picture, Ian questions what remains of the free world, emphasizing that while the US remains one of the most powerful countries, trust and coordination among allies are weakening.

More For You

President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the White House AI Summit at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Joyce N. Boghosian/White House/ZUMA Press Wire

The 2024 US presidential campaign season may have been the first time voters had to contend with AI during an election, confronting deepfakes of Taylor Swift vowing support for Donald Trump and AI robo-calls of Joe Biden telling voters not to cast their ballots.