Drawing on the correlation between domestic abuse dynamics and geopolitical strategies like Trump’s tariffs, we can explore a range of options to address coercive behaviour in both contexts.
The following 12 strategies emphasise empowerment, resilience, and collective action to counteract the abuser’s tactics.
1. Provide a Safe Haven That Intentionally Excludes the Abuser
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Create a physical or emotional safe space for the victim where the abuser has no access. This could involve shelters, support groups, or legal protections like restraining orders.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can establish alternative trade networks or economic partnerships that exclude the coercive actor (e.g., the U.S.).
- For example, Canada could reduced its reliance on the U.S. market by strengthening trade ties with the European Union (EU) through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), creating an alternative economic “safe haven.”
2. Strengthen Ties with Allies While Intentionally Excluding the Abuser
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Encourage the victim to build a strong support network of friends, family, and professionals who can provide emotional and practical assistance while isolating the abuser.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can form or strengthen alliances with other nations to counterbalance the coercive actor’s influence.
- For example, Canada could deepened its trade relationship with Mexico and other Pacific Rim countries through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), reducing dependence on the U.S.
3. Create a Unified Plan to Circumvent the Abuser
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Develop a coordinated plan involving legal, financial, and emotional support to help the victim break free from the abuser’s control.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can collaborate to create alternative systems or frameworks that bypass the coercive actor.
- For example, Canada could collaborated with Mexico to negotiate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as a unified front, ensuring mutual benefits and reducing U.S. dominance in the negotiations.
4. Build Economic and Emotional Resilience
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Help the victim develop financial independence, emotional strength, and coping mechanisms to reduce their vulnerability to the abuser’s tactics.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can diversify their economies, invest in domestic industries, and build up reserves to withstand economic pressure.
- For example, Canada could diversify its economy by investing in clean energy, technology, and agricultural exports to reduce reliance on U.S. markets.
5. Use Humor or Defiance to Diminish the Abuser’s Power
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Laughter or defiance can help the victim reclaim their sense of agency and reduce the abuser’s psychological hold.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can use diplomatic or rhetorical strategies to undermine the coercive actor’s narrative.
- For example, some countries have publicly mocked or criticised U.S. trade policies, highlighting their ineffectiveness or hypocrisy.
6. Establish Clear Boundaries and Consequences
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Set firm boundaries with the abuser and enforce consequences for violating them (e.g., legal action, cutting off contact).
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can establish clear red lines and respond decisively to coercive actions.
- For example, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, signalling that it would not tolerate unilateral pressure without consequences. China and Mexico have also retaliated.
7. Seek Mediation or Third-Party Intervention
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Involve mediators, counsellors, or legal authorities to address the abuse and protect the victim.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can seek mediation through international organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) or form coalitions to collectively challenge the coercive actor’s behaviour. See this article for more information.
8. Promote Awareness and Education
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Educate the victim and their support network about the dynamics of abuse and available resources.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can raise awareness about the coercive actor’s tactics and rally international support.
- For example, Canada and the EU have worked to promote multilateralism and counter unilateral trade measures.
9. Develop Long-Term Strategies for Independence
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Help the victim create a long-term plan for independence, including financial stability, housing, and emotional well-being.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can invest in long-term strategies to reduce dependence on the coercive actor.
- This could include developing domestic industries, fostering innovation, and building stronger regional partnerships.
10. Leverage Public Opinion and Moral Authority
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Mobilise public support to hold the abuser accountable and create social pressure for change.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can use public diplomacy to highlight the coercive actor’s unfair practices and rally global opinion.
- For example, Canada can point out the unjust U.S. nature of the tariffs, especially given that the north american trade has long been a seen as a mutually beneficial and friendly relationship. The Trump administration has declared economic war against Canada, an historic friend and ally.
11. Create Alternative Systems or Structures
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Help the victim access alternative systems of support, such as community resources or legal aid.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can develop alternative trade systems, currencies, or institutions to reduce reliance on the coercive actor.
- For example, some countries can explored using local currencies or digital currencies for trade to bypass U.S.-dominated financial systems.
12. Foster Collective Resistance
- Domestic Abuse Context:
- Encourage the victim to join support groups or advocacy organisations that work to combat abuse.
- Geopolitical Context:
- Targeted countries can form coalitions to collectively resist coercive tactics.
- For example, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was created as a response to U.S. withdrawal from the original TPP, demonstrating a unified front against U.S. trade policies.
Conclusion
These strategies highlight the importance of empowerment, resilience, and collective action in both domestic and geopolitical contexts. By drawing on the parallels between abusive dynamics and coercive trade tactics, we can identify actionable steps to counteract control, reduce dependence, and promote long-term stability and independence.
By applying these strategies, Canada can demonstrate resilience and adaptability in both domestic abuse support systems and its response to coercive trade tactics. The examples provided above highlight the importance of empowerment, collaboration, and long-term planning in overcoming challenges posed by abusive dynamics, whether personal or geopolitical.
