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HalfRadish's avatar

U.S. wouldn't need to invade; we and our allies would immediately cripple their economy with trade sanctions. Canada and her leaders would also be victim of a spectacular and humiliating smear campaign across the anglophone media until they got back in line, and who's to say a little old fashioned did-it-really-happen CIA magic wouldn't also be employed for good measure.

Not to mention, Canada pitting herself against the u.k. (via the u.s.) would have weird and potentially politically destabilizing effects in both countries, due to their sharing a sovereign, and possibly in the king's other realms as well.

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Doctor Hammer's avatar

"Seriously, imagine Canada offering to host a Chinese or Russian military base and what would immediately occur."

That's a good question, and I think people who say "the USA immediately invades Canada" possibly haven't thought that through well enough. That isn't to say it wouldn't be on the table with any level of certainty, but that would be a much larger step than I think most people grasp.

When applying the Roman Empire model to the US hegemony, it is also worth noting the differences in the direction of resource flow. The US does not seem to collect any tribute from its "client states", and if anything subsidizes them, which is a stark difference from the Roman model. Now possibly that is because the resources are less exciting than the political backing, but then again, Europe doesn't do much to provide military support. Land for bases, sure, but not a lot of auxiliaries.

In all, the modern US hegemony seems like akin to the Roman Empire's model than the model of a celebrity entourage: lots of hangers on who don't seem to contribute much other than "friends" and a group to hang out with, and possibly connections and a couch to crash on now and again. The older, Cold War era model probably was a bit closer to the Roman model, but even then it is a bit questionable. A new paradigm, with some features carried over, might be necessary.

Great review again, much appreciated!

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