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Christopher Sands

@uscanada-sands.bsky.social
316 followers 66 following 56 posts

Researching Canada, US-Canadian relations, and North American political economy in Washington DC at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution.

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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
The struggle over perceptions of the #USCanada trade war pits Canadian PM Mark Carney against Donald Trump, and it is a more even match than Washington has noticed. The future of "Lake America" and GOP candidates in border states hangs in the balance. christophersands1.substack.com/p/are-the-gr...
christophersands1.substack.com
Are the Great Lakes where we have our HAMES now?
Naming games and U.S. – Canada relations
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
My latest on "Nine Paradoxes of #USCanada Relations" addresses the tension between the United States and Canada as sovereign equals but asymmetric in population size, economic, military, and international roles. christophersands1.substack.com/p/paradox-3-...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The World Cup didn't solve U.S.-Canada tensions—but it reminded us that people-to-people ties often outlast political disputes. Joshua Peng & I examine what co-hosting FIFA 2026 means for North American diplomacy. Thanks to the @wilsoncenter.org & Fomiche www.wilsoncenter.org/article/how-...
wilsoncenter.org
How World Cup Fever Can Thaw the US-Canada Relationship
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is creating more than unforgettable moments on the pitch. It is also providing a rare opportunity to strengthen dialogue between the United States and Canada during a period of...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
New from @brookings.edu: Maricarmen Barron Esper and I argue that the first #USMCA review should be judged not only by its outcome but by how effectively the three countries used the mechanism established in Article 34.7. www.brookings.edu/articles/usm...
brookings.edu
USMCA review reviewed: Lessons from the first use of USMCA's review mechanism | Brookings
Maricarmen Barron Esper and Christopher Sands review the performance of the first USMCA review and offer lessons for future negotiations.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
What is the benefit of suspending the Permanent Joint Board on Defense? My take, and what I think it says about #USCanada relations. christophersands1.substack.com/p/giving-off...
christophersands1.substack.com
Giving Offense, Getting the Best Defense?
The United States pauses the Permanent Joint Board on Defense
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Canadian Conservative Pierre Poilievre made his first visit to the United States as party leader. My five takeaways from the trip and what comes next in #USCanada relations. christophersands1.substack.com/p/a-conserva...
christophersands1.substack.com
A Conservative Approach to America
Five takeaways from Pierre Poilievre’s belated and mostly successful tour of the United States
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
One paradox of the #USCanada relationship is that mutual admiration persists even when disappointment fuels ambivalence, and now anger at Trump taunting. christophersands1.substack.com/p/paradox-2-...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Why do Americans care what Canada thinks about the #Iran War? My latest on allies and #USCanada relations. christophersands1.substack.com/p/on-war-and...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
New from @brookings.edu: the impact of Trump #tariffs on #trade in #NorthAmerica after the #SCOTUS ruling on #IEEPA. Required reading during the #USMCA review. www.brookings.edu/articles/tra...
brookings.edu
Tracking Trump's tariffs and other trade actions | Brookings
This tariff tracker keeps tabs on key U.S. tariffs and trade deals, as well as retaliatory trade actions by other countries.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
What does the outcome of Mark Carney's visit with Xi Jinping tell us about Carney's thinking about #USCanada relations? My thoughts for the US Canada Observer. christophersands1.substack.com/p/the-carney...
christophersands1.substack.com
The Carney Doctrine?
Canada’s dealmaking with China reflects the PM’s strategy for U.S. relations
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Happy new year! After a rough 2025, I am optimistic about #USCanada relations in 2026 and spoke with @tracymoran.bsky.social about why. nationalpost.com/news/canada-...
nationalpost.com
How Canada can get more leverage on Trump in 2026
Christopher Sands shares his insights on pivotal U.S.-Canada issues for the year ahead.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
A growing group of think tanks and scholars in Washington are focused on #USCanada relations, but will Americans respond and engage? My latest for the US Canada Observer. christophersands1.substack.com/p/this-washi...
christophersands1.substack.com
This Washington Needs More Canada
The Growing Number of Scholars Working on Canada Is a Sign of Strength, Not Fragmentation
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
How complicated can #USCanada relations be? My latest for the US Canada Observer is the first in a series in the paradoxes of this relationship as seen from the American side. christophersands1.substack.com/p/paradox-1-...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Two giants in #USCanada relations are leaving their posts in 2025. Why it matters: christophersands1.substack.com/p/farewell-t...
christophersands1.substack.com
Farewell to Friendly Giants
Two Champions of US-Canada Relations Depart and Will Be Missed
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
The new US National Security Strategy doesn't have much to say about Canada. But maybe that is only when you consider Canada in the Western Hemisphere. Imagine Canada when reading the section on Europe, and Trump foreign policy is clearer. christophersands1.substack.com/p/continenta...
christophersands1.substack.com
Continental Drift?
Where does Canada fit in the Trump administration's National Security Strategy? And where does Canada want to be?
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
The 2025 US National Security Strategy #NNS2025 identifies the multiple threats to the United States and the challenges that we face in catching up with China. It also has a a major blind spot regarding Canada. #USCanada open.substack.com/pub/christop...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
What does the Carney government's #budget tell us about hownhe intends to steer Canada amid #tariff headwinds? My takeaways for fellow observers in Washington. christophersands1.substack.com/p/washington...
christophersands1.substack.com
Washington Takeaways from Budget Day in Ottawa
Carney Signals Resolve to Canadians and to the White House
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
If you are an American working with Canadians, consider subscribing to my Substack, the US Canada Observer, for a series of posts on the unexpected complexity of #USCanada relations. christophersands1.substack.com/p/nine-parad...
christophersands1.substack.com
Nine Paradoxes of US-Canada Relations
Introducing a new series on what makes the relationship between the United States and Canada interesting and perplexing
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
How an Ontario video upset #USCanada relations, and how to reset. open.substack.com/pub/christop...
open.substack.com
Ad Nauseum
How to Reset US-Canada Relations After Ontario’s Reagan Ad Goes Viral
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Americans and Canadians feel the other side has let them down, and mutual resentment is making it harder to fix #USCanada relations. open.substack.com/pub/christop...
open.substack.com
The Reciprocity of Resentment Hurting US - Canada Relations
Acknowledge and move on to start healing bilateral relations
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Canadian PM Mark Carney had a successful 2nd Oval Office meeting with President Trump. His secret? He gave us a preview in September. #USCanada open.substack.com/pub/christop...
open.substack.com
America's Old Flame Still Burns
Carney reminds Americans what we once had and could have again. And that Canada is fine and ready to see other people.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Unilateral US action on de minimis is a missed opportunity for #USCanada relations. My latest: christophersands1.substack.com/p/private-ey...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Has the #USCanada #tradewar reached a turning point? Trump has been gambling he can get a deal with Canadian PM Mark Carney, but the odds of that are falling. christophersands1.substack.com/p/gamblers-r...
christophersands1.substack.com
Gamblers' Ruin
The US-Canada Trade War may have reached a turning point. What would Kenny Rogers do?
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Canada is still hoping for a new #security and #economic agreement with the United States, but the 2026 #USMCA review is not optional. Here is how it may play out: christophersands1.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
christophersands1.substack.com
Do You Know the Way, USMCA?
Inspired by Burt Bacharach’s lyrics to Dionne Warwick’s hit song, I'm going back to the text to find some peace of mind on USMCA review
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
The outcome of the USMCA review in 2026 could become an issue in the US 2026 midterm elections. Time to get smart on how it works. christophersands1.substack.com/p/do-you-kno...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
If Ottawa and Washington want a big idea to boost #productivity via a new #USCanada security + economic agreement, open air cabotage and start piloting land cabotage to cut empty miles and make supply chains resilient. My case: christophersands1.substack.com/p/the-privat...
christophersands1.substack.com
The Private Eye: Air Canada, Carney, and Cabotage
The Air Canada strike is a reminder that cabotage matters, and could revive US-Canada Security and Economic talks
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
The #USCanada relationship is hot right now - too hot! In my latest Substack essay, I reflect on why we got here and how we can start to get back to good. christophersands1.substack.com/p/anger-mana...
christophersands1.substack.com
Anger Management and the Future of US - Canadian Relations
Resurgent US and Canadian nationalisms have stoked divisions and rocked bilateral relations. Ottawa and Washington need to start thinking about the future of this relationship.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Port #infrastructure is at the heart of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's response to US tariffs. Here I look at some of the brightest prospects and what they could to for Carney, Canada, and #USCanada relations. christophersands1.substack.com/p/private-ey...
christophersands1.substack.com
Private Eye: Any Port in a Trade Storm
A handful of projects that will test the seriousness of PM Carney's Nation Building infrastructure push
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Will Canada and the United States negotiate a new #security and #economic agreement? I think yes, having learned from William Zartman how negotiations work. My latest on #USCanada relations is ripe for a read! christophersands1.substack.com/p/lets-make-...
christophersands1.substack.com
Let's Make a Deal, or No Deal
The United States and Canada are more evenly matched as negotiators than it may appear
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
US public service cuts matter beyond the DC Beltway. In a new piece I look at how they could impact #USCanada relations. open.substack.com/pub/christop...
open.substack.com
51st State to 50 First Dates
Public Service Cuts in Washington Will Impact US-Canadian Relations
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
As Calgary gears up for the #G7 summit in nearby Kananaskis, Alberta, I contributed an essay to the summit briefing book and a conference today hosted by the @ucalgary.bsky.social. Sharing it via my Substack open.substack.com/pub/christop...
open.substack.com
American Leadership at Kananaskis
In an uncertain global landscape, American leadership can prove decisive
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
While hunting for a new Washington think tank home, I decided to start a Substack column on #USCanada relations from an American POV. Comments welcome, and subscribe if you are interested. christophersands1.substack.com/p/observatio...
christophersands1.substack.com
Observations on US-Canada Relations from Washington
The reasons behind this Substack column
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
After their Oval Office Opener, Trump and Carney have taken each other's measure. The #USCanada negotiations that come next will have at least three interrelated topics, as Christopher Hernandez-Roy and I lay out in this analysis for @csis.org. www.csis.org/analysis/gam...
csis.org
Game On for the United States and Canada After Oval Office Opener
CSIS Americas Deputy Director and Senior Fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Chris Sands unpack the state of play with U.S.-Canada relations and the defense, security, and trade issues that will defi...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
My reflections on the closure of the @wilsoncenter.org Canada Institute www.linkedin.com/posts/christ...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
If Canada's 2021 was the "election about nothing" the April 28, 2025 #election will be an election about something: #USCanada relations. www.wilsoncenter.org/article/cana...
wilsoncenter.org
Canada's 2025 Election: A Referendum on US-Canadian Relations
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
@wilsoncenter.org has a new series on the Canadian election! In this episode, cohosts @xavierdelgado.bsky.social and Madison Lipson chat with pollster extraordinaire @niknanos.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs9N... #cdnpoli
youtube.com
Canadian Election 2025 | Episode 1: Nik Nanos
YouTube video by WoodrowWilsonCenter
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
As new #tariff threats against Canada fly, I take a look at the bitter legacy the #USCanada #tradewar will leave behind. www.wilsoncenter.org/article/thre...
wilsoncenter.org
Three Furies Reawakened in Canada
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
The US contemplates a North American "Golden Dome" modeled on Israel's Iron Dome. What will this mean for Canada? www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iron...
wilsoncenter.org
The “Iron Dome” and Implications for the North
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Great conversation at @wilsoncenter.org on critical minerals, China, security, and Arctic infrastructure with premiers of Canada's northern territories. www.wilsoncenter.org/event/northe...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Trump can start a North American trade war or launch talks for a better USMCA today, but not both. My thoughts on a potentially tariffying day: www.wilsoncenter.org/article/trad...
wilsoncenter.org
Trade War Or USMCA Upgrade: One Or The Other, But Not Both
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
If you are not Canadian, or not a Canadianist, today's announcement by Justin Trudeau raises more questions than answers. In my latest, I try to explain to a US audience what will happen next and what it means for US priorities. www.wilsoncenter.org/article/just...
wilsoncenter.org
Justin Trudeau, Resigned. What Next for US – Canadian Relations?
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Who or what can stop the Trump 25% #tariff from hitting Canada? In a new essay for @wilsoncenter.org Global Fellow Roy Norton has the answer. www.wilsoncenter.org/article/only...
wilsoncenter.org
Only Americans Can Convince President Trump That Tariffs Against Canada Are A Bad idea. They Have Many Reasons To Try!
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Canada's political earthquake yesterday is still shaking things up. In a new video for the @wilsoncenter.org I look at the resignation of Chrystia Freeland and what it means for the Trudeau government and #USCanada relations. www.wilsoncenter.org/video/canada...
wilsoncenter.org
Canada’s Finance Minister Steps Down in Blow to Trudeau’s Leadership
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
The Trump #tariff threat has got North Americans focusing on the downside of the region, but there are many upsides. Take #energy #innovation where this new @wilsoncenter.org report highlights many opportunities if we work together. www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/...
wilsoncenter.org
Report for the North American Leaders Summit: Ensuring Energy Security, Maintaining Competitiveness and Expanding Innovation in North America
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Join us online 12/13 at @wilsoncenter.org for discussion of a new report on #energy #innovation in #NorthAmerica. Details and RSVP here: www.wilsoncenter.org/event/north-...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Amid #tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, what is Trump's endgame? It may be a renegotiation of #USMCA to include commitmenta on #borders and #migration. My latest: www.linkedin.com/posts/christ...
linkedin.com
Christopher Sands on LinkedIn: Trump Tariff Threats: To What End?
What to make of the #tariffs US President-Elect Donald #Trump has threatened against #Canada and #Mexico? Following plenty of conversations on social media, I…
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Hot takes are coming fast and furious. #USCanada relations will hinge on the degree of strategic patience its practitioners can muster. Inauguration is T-55.
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
The latest threat from Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and just a 10% tariff on China, is dramatic. If he follows through on it, the economic damage woild be significant. truthsocial.com/@realDonaldT...
truthsocial.com
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of ...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
It is hard not to follow #hockey when you study #Canada, but I learned a lot from this Tablet Magazine story on the Jewish all-stars in today's @nhlscores.bsky.social www.tabletmag.com/sections/spo...
tabletmag.com
The Golden Age of Jewish Hockey
Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers joins the NHL’s exclusive 50-goal club, joining the fabulous Hughes brothers—Jack, Luke, and Quinn—and N.Y. Rangers defenseman Adam Fox in the league’s ranks of elite...
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Christopher Sands @uscanada-sands.bsky.social · 07/11/2024
When politics bring stormy weather, #USCanada relations have found ways to keep this storied friendship afloat. My latest for @thewilsoncenter.bsky.social offers examples and hope! www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/...
wilsoncenter.org
Navigating US-Canadian Relations Through Stormy Waters
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