Political Trajectory of the US and RCD programs
By Barnacle Bill, 15 April 2025
In recent weeks concerns have been raised across the Western world (and beyond) over the Trump administration's foreign policy. The President has publicly rehabilitated a revanchist Russia, launched a potentially ruinous trade war that threatens to beggar his own and others' economies, expressed contempt for liberalism and multilateralism, and threatened the sovereignty of Panama, Greenland and Canada. All this (and more) have raised questions as to whether the United States will re-position itself as an independent, self-regarding actor on the world stage.
That, of course, is Washington's right, if it chooses to do so. But where does it leave allies of long standing, including those subject to Mr. Trump's belligerent rhetoric? The issue of American 'reliability' as the security provider of last resort is now at the forefront of strategic discourse. Are there dangers in remaining in close partnership with a hegemon that, at least under Republican leadership, no longer shares the liberal-democratic values that it once did? Sensing nothing but disruption from Washington, allies are beginning to hedge their bets.
One sub-issue falling out of this is the reliability of the US defence supply chain. Can allies who have happily and safely invested in US equipment be confident that their purchases will be useable throughout their lifespan if a dispute with Washington arises? Recall that the administration briefly cut off supplies and intelligence from Ukraine until it fell in line with Mr. Trump's quixotic search for 'peace' with Russia. Is it now too risky to allow a vastly different America so much leverage over the strategic choices of our allies and partners?
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Latest Issue: Canadian Naval Review Vol. 20 No. 3
As the winter settles in and the holiday season is over, it’s good to have something to look forward to (other than spring, which is still far away)! We can provide that for you. The winter issue of CNR is coming soon! I know we say this every time, but this issue is superb. Prepare to be delighted!
In the upcoming issue, the Editorial by Rob Huebert discusses some little-discussed elements of future conflict for which we need to be prepared – eg., repairing ships that have been damaged in battle and the processes for repatriating the fallen. As well, you’ll find an extremely interesting interview conducted with Commodore Jason Armstrong, Director General Naval Force Development (NFD).
We find out what’s up with NFD and what’s not up. In an article entitled “Closing the RCN’s Mine Countermeasure Capability Gap,” we learn how, as a compromise build, the Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels have never lived up to their full potential in terms of mine countermeasures and about possibilities to strengthen the capability in the future.
In another article, we take a voyage with Roger Litwiller on HMCS Harry DeWolf as the ship makes a historic first voyage through the Welland Canal. We also include a piece entitled “The Death of Public Awareness” that draws a line connecting the decision to cancel the Strategic Defence Forum with the lack of Canadian public awareness about the navy (and the CAF in general). And in his column, Dave Perry tells us that, at last, defence spending is increasing.
We can’t possibly mention everything in this preview. Let’s just say that there are some very interesting pieces in Making Waves. As a sample, there is a commentary about how Canada/the RCN could be helping African countries address oil bunkering at sea, another commentary that discusses some of the challenges the Arctic Council is facing since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and a commentary that suggests Canada should leave NATO and focus on the defence of North America.
Of course there are book reviews and stunning photos to illustrate everything! You will not be able to put this issue down once you start reading! See the Table of Contents here
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Over the last 20 years, Canadian Naval Review has published over 180 book reviews. These books cover a variety of topics but they all relate to maritime matters, history, or security and defence at sea. This is an amazing resource. Go through the list of reviews, pick out a few books that look interesting, read the reviews, and then order the books from your nearest bookstore or from the publisher. See the list of book reviews at https://www.navalreview.ca/book-reviews/