Ilan Kapoor, a professor at York’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, discusses the psychological and political dynamics behind Donald Trump's taunts toward Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a recent article published in The Conversation.

The article analyzes Trump's populist approach, which exploits American anxieties about trade, economic decline, and global competition, particularly with China. Canada's response has included aligning with U.S. trade strategies and distancing itself from Mexico. However, the article argues that this appeasement efforts may have an adverse effect.

Trump’s rhetoric reflects irrational desires inherent in populist ideology. This approach often diverts attention away from underlying systemic issues and instead places the blame on external scapegoats. As a consequence, this leads to outcomes that are not only ineffective but also counterproductive.

Learn more about Kapoor's research here.

Originally published on The Conversation.