Canada's Strategic Opening as U.S. Influence Wanes Among Next Generation
During a transformative year as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing, I witnessed a significant shift in perception among the world's future leaders. The United States, once viewed as the pinnacle of democratic ideals and stability, is rapidly losing its appeal to Generation Z across the globe. This presents Canada with a critical opportunity that must not be overlooked.
The Changing Landscape of Global Perception
My experience placed me alongside exceptional young minds from prominent families in both the United States and China. These individuals included startup founders with multimillion-dollar ventures, emerging public servants, and talented scientists already operating in government, venture capital, and diplomatic circles. At the program's outset, American students displayed evident pride in their nation's reputation for fairness, forward-thinking governance, and stability.
Many international classmates, including children of Chinese Communist Party officials, expressed envy toward America's rule-based systems compared to their own countries' approaches. While acknowledging American flaws, they genuinely believed the United States represented the world's best offering.
The Dramatic Shift in Confidence
Today, that confidence has eroded dramatically. What began as widespread admiration among Chinese classmates for American democratic ideals—with nearly all planning to pursue graduate studies or internships in the United States—has transformed into profound skepticism and growing distrust. This cognitive restructuring accelerated during the Trump presidency's attacks on America's own leading universities, causing several students to reluctantly decline their U.S. admission offers.
The erosion reached its lowest point with several high-profile events: the ICE protests in Minneapolis, the disturbing revelations from the Epstein files, and aggressive rhetoric directed toward Greenland. These incidents collectively damaged America's standing among future Chinese Gen Z leaders.
Consequences for Global Soft Power
The implications of this shift are substantial. When American soft power can no longer be assumed and must actively compete against other liberal democracies on the world stage, the perceptions young people form today about national stability, fairness, and trustworthiness will influence trade decisions, research collaborations, and crisis cooperation for decades to come.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney noted at Davos, we cannot expect the old world order to return. The world is recalibrating at lightning speed, creating a vacuum that Canada could strategically fill if it acts decisively.
Canada's Path Forward
The withdrawal of U.S. influence from Gen Z consciousness worldwide creates a genuine opening for Canadian soft power. However, timing is crucial. If Canada fails to act, this vacuum will inevitably be filled by other middle powers or even China's own institutions.
Canada must realign its priorities and market itself as a strong, open, and democratic alternative to the current American model. A practical starting point involves promoting Canada to Gen Z talent globally, particularly from unexpected regions like China. While maintaining moral clarity on human rights violations, strategic engagement on issues serving Canadian interests should not be hindered.
Canadian universities, governments, and businesses must invest wisely in building sustained institutional bridges with Chinese Gen Z—typically those born between 1997 and 2012. This could be achieved through:
- Increased academic exchanges and joint research programs in non-sensitive fields
- Enhanced cultural dialogues sharing Canadian values and culture
- Strategic partnerships that position Canada as a trusted reference point
The Moment for Action
Such opportunities rarely present themselves. Canada now has the chance to play a quiet yet significant role in the emerging world order. Success will require predictability, openness, and the confidence to engage pragmatically while remaining principled. The question is no longer whether this global realignment will occur, but whether Canada is prepared to act before this pivotal moment passes.
By deliberately positioning itself as a stable, fair, and trustworthy alternative, Canada can become the preferred destination for the rising generation of global leaders who seek democratic values without the current American baggage. The window for action is open, but it will not remain so indefinitely.
