A Canada-America Union: The Fantasy That Just Won’t Go Away

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The idea of Canada merging with the United States has been a recurring trope in the annals of North American history. From the days of British North America to contemporary musings fueled by political theater, the notion of annexation or deeper union has consistently resurfaced. 

However, the historical record and geopolitical realities suggest that the moment for such a merger is long past – if it ever existed at all. 

Everyone needs to get over it.

A Brief History of Annexation Aspirations

The roots of the annexation discourse stretch back to the American Revolution. As the thirteen colonies fought for independence, the nascent United States saw British North America as both a strategic asset and a natural extension of its territory. The Continental Congress even unsuccessfully launched military campaigns into Quebec in 1775. 

During the War of 1812, the United States made another attempt, driven by a mix of geopolitical ambition and ideological zeal. Yet, resistance from Canadian settlers and British military strength ensured that annexation remained a dream disappointed.

In the 19th century, the idea found renewed vigor among proponents of Manifest Destiny. This belief in the inevitable expansion of the United States framed Canada as an almost preordained addition. 

Despite some interest from fringe groups in both nations, most Canadians – and their British overlords – staunchly opposed incorporation. Canada’s Confederation in 1867 further solidified its separate identity, rooted in parliamentary democracy and ties to the British Crown.

Even into the 20th century, annexationist rhetoric – and even planning – occasionally flared, often reflecting American economic or geopolitical ambitions. Yet, Canada consistently resisted such overtures, choosing to cultivate its distinct identity while maintaining a close and cooperative relationship with its southern neighbor.

Why Annexation Is a Non-Starter

Fast forward to today, and the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state (or, more accurately, the 51st through 63rd states) seems not only improbable but fundamentally incompatible with the national identities of both countries. 

For Canadians, the notion of merging with the United States strikes at the heart of their sovereignty and independence. Despite deep cultural and economic ties, Canadians pride themselves on their distinct political institutions, healthcare system, and global reputation as a middle power.

From the American perspective, incorporating a nation of 40 million people with distinct legal, cultural, and linguistic frameworks would be a logistical and political quagmire. The idea of negotiating statehood for ten provinces and three territories, each with its governance structures and priorities, would be a nightmare of constitutional and bureaucratic proportions.

Moreover, the ideological divide between many Canadian provinces and American states would likely exacerbate political polarization in an already fractured United States.

The Case for Closer Economic Union

While political merger is a non-starter, there is a compelling argument to be made for deeper economic integration. 

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), have laid the groundwork for a robust trade relationship. However, these agreements stop short of creating a seamless economic union.

Proponents of closer ties, like businessman Kevin O’Leary, have floated the idea of a North American common market that mirrors the European Union. Such a framework could harmonize regulations, reduce trade barriers, and encourage cross-border investment. For Canada, this would mean greater access to the largest consumer market in the world. For the United States, it would secure a stable and prosperous northern partner, further solidifying North American economic competitiveness in a multipolar global economy.

However, even economic integration has its limits. Canadians have long been wary of becoming overly dependent on the United States, fearing the loss of autonomy in areas like environmental policy, cultural preservation, and resource management. Any push for a deeper union would need to address these concerns while ensuring mutual benefits.

Defense and Security Considerations

Beyond economic implications, any discussion of closer union—whether political or economic—must grapple with defense and security concerns. Canada and the United States already share one of the closest defense relationships in the world, anchored by agreements like NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and longstanding cooperation through NATO. This partnership ensures the protection of the shared North American homeland while allowing both countries to coordinate their responses to global threats.

However, deeper integration in this realm faces significant hurdles. Canadians are proud of their independent foreign policy traditions, which often diverge from American priorities. The idea of harmonizing defense policies or increasing Canadian military spending to match U.S. expectations has met with resistance in Canada. For the United States, maintaining a close defense partnership without eroding Canadian sovereignty offers a pragmatic middle ground.

Recent geopolitical tensions, including concerns about Arctic sovereignty and great-power competition, have underscored the importance of U.S.-Canada defense cooperation. While merging defense structures outright is unlikely, there is room for enhanced collaboration in areas like Arctic security, cyber defense, and counterterrorism. Such efforts would strengthen North American security without undermining Canada’s distinct role on the world stage.

Trump’s Trolling and Its Impact

The recent resurgence of annexation talk can largely be attributed to President-elect Donald Trump’s penchant for political provocation.

By floating the idea, Trump is obviously less interested in actual merger discussions than on enhancing the U.S. bargaining position in trade and security negotiations. The proof is in the pudding: the suggestion of tariffs and the mere rhetorical whiff of annexation has already prompted Canada and several Canadian provinces to invest more in border security and to address the incoming Trump administration’s economic concerns.

From Trump’s perspective, this tactic has already yielded dividends. By keeping Canada on its toes, Washington has begun to leverage its economic and geopolitical clout without expending the immense political capital and other resources required to bring about a political union. For Canada, the challenge is to respond strategically, ensuring that its sovereignty and interests are not compromised while maintaining a productive relationship with its largest trading partner and closest ally.

A Dream Denied 

The discourse around a Canada-U.S. merger is, at best, a political distraction and, at worst, a political delusion. While history shows periodic interest in annexation, the reality is that both nations have evolved in ways that make such a union improbable and, on both sides, undesirable. Instead of entertaining fantasies of political merger, policymakers should focus on pragmatic ways to deepen economic, defense, and strategic cooperation.

The bottom line is that Canada will not become the 51st state, nor will its provinces and territories be annexed as the 51st through 63rd states. This notion is more a political fantasy or delusion than a serious policy option. In the real world, the enduring strength of the U.S.-Canada partnership lies not in assimilation but in collaboration. The challenge for both nations is clear: to deepen economic and defense ties while respecting the unique identities that define them. In an era of global uncertainty, the true test of leadership will be forging a bilateral relationship that leverages their shared strengths without eroding the distinctiveness that makes each nation exceptional. 

Together, Canada and the United States can achieve far more as partners than they ever could as one.

About the Author: Andrew Latham 

Andrew Latham is a Professor of International Relations and Political Theory; and Special Advisor to the President of Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow, Defense Priorities, Washington, DC; a Senior Washington Fellow with the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy also in Washington, DC; a 2023-25 Education Ambassador with the Council on Foreign Relations; an Opinion Contributor with The Hill in Washington, DC; and an Opinion Contributor with RealClearDefense.