Robert Zoellick

Why must President Trump bully Canada? Americans might not take jibes about the “51st state” seriously, but what Canadians see is an attack on their independence and even unity. They acknowledge US economic power, but expect Americans to keep their word. In contrast, Trump wants to bind Canada while being free to change terms whenever he wishes. …President Reagan recognised that an integrated North America offers the US a firmer continental foundation for projecting influence globally. By building closer ties, the three democracies of North America could enjoy energy self-sufficiency and even exports, access to key minerals, manufacturing efficiencies, more secure supply chains, a larger market for innovation and better demographics than the rest of the world. …US goods and services trade with Canada has grown to about $900bn a year — and is almost in balance. …No American leader should dishonour the country’s past by treating our closest partners so shabbily.