So, here's my defense plan for Canada.
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@AlexanderVI yeah, the US military is 10-15 times the size of Canada's, and the US economy is about 10-15 times bigger, too. We can't win a fair war.
@AlexanderVI one hope would be that moving troops and weapons to North America for a war would destabilize other regions, requiring redeployment of those troops back to Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, or whatever.
But the US has about 1M active service members in the US right now. They wouldn't have to move anyone.
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@nantel yes, supporting insurgencies in the US would be a good idea. But partisan tactics on Canadian land is a last resort, not a primary plan.
@evan You missed an important detail, I’m talking about partisan tactics on US soil. But mainly it’s leveraging divisions within American society. Remember that millions took to the streets to protest the Iraq war…a far-away conflict against “brown people” of a different religion who had “attacked” the US.
If steps 1 and 2 clarify their intentions, it would probably be easier for us and our allies to provoque a US civil war than for Trump to unify his fractured country againt Canada.
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@evan You missed an important detail, I’m talking about partisan tactics on US soil. But mainly it’s leveraging divisions within American society. Remember that millions took to the streets to protest the Iraq war…a far-away conflict against “brown people” of a different religion who had “attacked” the US.
If steps 1 and 2 clarify their intentions, it would probably be easier for us and our allies to provoque a US civil war than for Trump to unify his fractured country againt Canada.
@nantel yeah, definitely agree. The only way we retain sovereignty is to survive long enough that domestic opinion in the US turns against the war. So: robust defense and support insurgencies.
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4. Evacuate Canadian civilians from the border area; probably 300km or more. Yes, this is where most Canadians live.
5. Declare a security corridor of 300km on the other side of the border, in US territory. Any military activity in that area is a sign of imminent aggression and will prompt a defensive strike.
6. If anything occurs, surge forward and take territory. Keep any war on US soil, not in Canada.I was with you until 5.
A Canada that is bristling and ready to go, that's good. A Canada that actually attacks the US first, because it looks like the US might be getting ready to attack them?
Uh, uh.
I mean, tactically, sure. But the optics. US public support to (ahem) "defend ourselves" would be through the roof, and potential Canadian allies would be a lot less sympathetic.
Just my dos centavos, of course.
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I was with you until 5.
A Canada that is bristling and ready to go, that's good. A Canada that actually attacks the US first, because it looks like the US might be getting ready to attack them?
Uh, uh.
I mean, tactically, sure. But the optics. US public support to (ahem) "defend ourselves" would be through the roof, and potential Canadian allies would be a lot less sympathetic.
Just my dos centavos, of course.
@ErictheCerise In this scenario, the US is massing troops and equipment on the border with clear indication for an invasion.
I don't know if there's a way out on US public opinion by that point. Ideally the foray is enough to take and hold some territory, so that American military might is focused on that point, not invasion.
As for allies, I agree that it's a major question. Canada would probably need to clear with NATO that preemptive strikes count as self-defence.
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@ErictheCerise In this scenario, the US is massing troops and equipment on the border with clear indication for an invasion.
I don't know if there's a way out on US public opinion by that point. Ideally the foray is enough to take and hold some territory, so that American military might is focused on that point, not invasion.
As for allies, I agree that it's a major question. Canada would probably need to clear with NATO that preemptive strikes count as self-defence.
@ErictheCerise Because 2/3 of Canadian population and infrastructure is within 1 hour's drive of the US border, we really can't feasibly wait for the invader to put a toe over the line before defending ourselves. By the time they cross the border, it's too late.
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So, here's my defense plan for Canada. Basic philosophy: it is unsafe to wait for an attack.
1. Secure public confirmation from NATO that Article 5 applies even if the aggressor is also a NATO member.
2. Send an ultimatum to Washington demanding a public acknowledgement of Canadian sovereignty by the President and confirmation of non-aggression.
3. In the absence of that acknowledgement, sever diplomatic ties, close the borders, and embargo trade. Blow bridges, tear up roads and rail lines.@evan my guess is that US won't attack Canada directly but might first attack Groenland(Danemark, a NATO member) for which Canada would need to respond accordingly with article 5.
Word is that Trump has already asked its military planners to make propositions...
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@evan my guess is that US won't attack Canada directly but might first attack Groenland(Danemark, a NATO member) for which Canada would need to respond accordingly with article 5.
Word is that Trump has already asked its military planners to make propositions...
@waps that would suck, but it would also meaning fighting on someone else's territory, not ours (sorry, Greenland). And imperial wars in harsh climates are difficult and unpopular. It would also mean a multi-front war for Canada, though -- not easy!
