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In this episode of Ship of Fools Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Aaron Hoffman, a political scientist and Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University, for a clear-eyed discussion of one of the most unsettling political moments in recent history.
We examine the national controversy surrounding the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. federal agents and the immediate use of the “domestic terrorism” label — a move that has sparked widespread concern about government power, enforcement culture, and political escalation in the United States.
From immigration enforcement and ICE oversight to tariffs, rare minerals, NATO tensions, and Canada–U.S. relations, Aaron helps separate emotional reaction from political reality.
We also explore whether Donald Trump is reshaping the rules of international politics intentionally — or governing through impulse — and what that means for Canada’s national identity, sovereignty, and future relationship with its closest ally.
This is a grounded, non-sensational conversation focused on understanding power, uncertainty, and how democratic systems respond under stress.
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