united states

Are Canadians more egalitarian than Americans? Are they more troubled by the existence of various forms of social inequality – such as those between rich and poor, men and women, white and Black – and more inclined to look to government to address them?

In the current political context, how do Americans and Canadians feel about the powers afforded to their national leader over other branches of government and the media?

Income inequality is patently visible in today’s society. To what extent does the public look to their governments to act to narrow the gap between rich and poor, and how have such expectations changed over the past decade or so?

Today we live in a time of social and political fracture. Much of what people know and how they communicate with others is happening on social media that channels content through narrow audiences, and feeds conflict and outrage. Amidst the noise of heated political rhetoric and ranting Tik Tok videos, are we losing trust in each other?

With a minority government in Ottawa, a federal election is possible at any time – triggered either deliberately or by accident. This encourages political observers to check opinion polls as often as regular people check the weather. | By Andrew Parkin

Nationalism has many different forms, from benign feelings of pride to aggressive chauvinism. Some speak idealistically of civic nationalism, quizzically of economic nationalism, or suspiciously of ethnic nationalism. | By Michael Adams & Andrew Parkin

In 2025, Canadians find themselves facing a much less certain international situation than they have been used to. Some of this is due to the persistence of conflicts in Ukraine, and in Israel and Gaza, and the wider threats they pose to international peace and security.

Concerns about the impact of U.S. tariffs are contributing to a growing pessimism among Canadians about the economy, employment and their own financial situation.

Holiday dinners are sometimes about making the best of an awkward situation, forcing smiles and exchanging pleasantries with people you’d rather not be sitting next to for very long. That’s just what Justin Trudeau did at the end of November, when he flew to Florida to dine with the incoming president of the United States. | By Michael Adams & Andrew Parkin

The American presidential election has transfixed not only citizens of the United States, but many around the world as well. One way or another, everyone will be affected by the outcome of the vote on November 5.