More than 100 teacher representatives at the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s (ATA’s) annual Political Engagement Seminar were in for a thought-provoking weekend. During the seminar, held in Edmonton on March 14 and 15, professor of political science Duane Bratt delivered a stark warning about the consequences of Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
Bratt argued that Trump’s “America First” approach has had impacts on the country already, including increased isolation, strained alliances and economic uncertainty.
“Trump promises America First, but what it really means is America alone,” he said. He further spoke on how the post-World War II global order, largely shaped by the United States (U.S.), is unraveling.
“The order that we have known in the world since roughly the end of World War II is over,” Bratt said, citing the weakening of international institutions, shifts in trade policy and the erosion of diplomatic norms. Bratt pointed to Trump’s withdrawal from key global agreements, his combative stance on trade, and his admiration for authoritarian leaders as indicators of a global shift.
“Trump doesn’t just tolerate authoritarian leaders; he wants to be one,” Bratt noted, specifically referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin. “There has been a lot of discussion over the last decade about whether Trump is a puppet of Putin. If he was, how would he act any differently than he is now?”
Beyond economic concerns, Bratt warned of rising geopolitical instability, including the potential for increased nuclear proliferation and threats to territorial integrity. However, he also noted resistance from U.S. allies, particularly Canada and Europe.
“The world is not taking this lying down,” he said.
Bratt’s lecture was one of several presentations at the seminar.
The seminar also featured a polling presentation by pollster and political commentator Janet Brown, who offered valuable insight into the political landscape through her update on Albertans’ sentiments on a range of topics. The program included a school board trustee panel as well, which addressed the importance of the trustee election set for this October and highlighted the ATA’s efforts to encourage members to help identify and support strong trustee candidates.
The Political Engagement Seminar is an annual event that brings together local delegates from across the province, including local political engagement officers, to deepen their understanding of key political issues that affect public education in Alberta.❚
