In the shadows of power and control, where the whispers of influence are made, a new chapter unfolds in the tumultuous narrative of international relations. Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a veteran of Canadian politics, is poised to pen a scathing exposé on the tempestuous relationship between her country and the United States.
Titled "Unreliable Boyfriend," the forthcoming tome, scheduled for release on October 13, promises to be a gripping account of power struggles, democratic machinations, and the fateful choices nations make when the rules no longer apply. As a seasoned diplomat and expert on Russia and Ukraine, Freeland brings an insider's perspective to the tumultuous years of President Donald Trump's presidency.
The Canadian government official has had her share of run-ins with the American leader, whom she has publicly criticized for his mercurial nature and unpredictability. The reciprocal animosity is palpable, with Trump labeling Freeland "totally toxic" and a "terrible person," while she has dismissed him as an "existential threat" to Canada's future.
The drama unfolded against the backdrop of historic trade negotiations, as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) took shape. Freeland, then Minister of International Trade under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, found herself at odds with Trump over the negotiating style and substance of the agreement. The president's criticism was biting, with Trump declaring Canada's representative "unhappy" and stating that he did not like her.
The tension escalated further in 2024-25, when Trump threatened tariffs on Canadian imports and floated the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the United States. Freeland responded by calling him out for his erratic behavior, labeling him an existential threat to Canada's future. The fallout was swift and severe, with Trudeau's government imploding in a crisis of confidence.
Freeland's departure from Trudeau's cabinet marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career. She went on to serve in Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet and as a special envoy to Ukraine. In July, she will assume the role of Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, overseeing the prestigious scholarship program that has played host to some of the world's most promising minds.
As Freeland steps into her new role, she reflects on the lessons learned from her time in politics. "This is a book about power, democracy, and the choices countries make when the old rules no longer seem to apply," she said in a statement. "As a Canadian negotiating with the United States during years of extraordinary political turbulence, I had a front-row seat to historic change. I wanted to tell the story of what I saw — and what it means for the future."
The publication of "Unreliable Boyfriend" promises to be a major event in the world of international relations and politics. As Freeland's narrative takes shape on the page, readers will be treated to a gripping account of power struggles, high-stakes diplomacy, and the unpredictable nature of global politics.
Written by: Clark Fader | The Citizen Edition
“The power will be mine.”