The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence from The Economist

Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up

Aug 24, 2026 · 21m

Summary

The episode examines the collapse of US-Canada trade talks, leaving Canada to navigate Trump’s tariffs while balancing internal political pressures. It then explores Japan’s “Ice Age” generation, who face long-term economic and social struggles due to entering the workforce during a recession. Finally, the show discusses the historical significance of military sieges, from Troy to Leningrad, as pivotal moments in civilization.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: We Share Health insurance alternative US-Canada trade tensions and Mark Carney's dilemma History of Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico Breakdown of trade talks: Trucks, sovereignty, and language Internal Canadian politics: Quebec and Alberta stakes Economic impact of tariffs and waiting for US midterms Sponsor: We Share Health insurance alternative Japan's 'Ice Age' generation and employment struggles Economic bubble burst and hiring freezes in the 90s Irregular work, freeters, and wage stagnation Future pension and housing crises for Ice Agers Historical significance of sieges: Vienna and the Alamo Utilitarian sieges: Tyre, Leningrad, and Malta
Listen ad-free on Castria