International Economics and National Security: The U.S.-Canada Trade Spat Meets Hip-Hop Drama

The relationship between international economics and national security often goes beyond just politics, spilling into cultural and artistic realms. Recently, the U.S. slapped Canada with trade penalties, sparking tensions between the two neighbors. At the same time, a high-profile beef between American rapper Kendrick Lamar and Canadian artist Drake has been heating up, adding a cultural twist to the economic showdown. This clash of trade and tunes highlights how competition, identity, and influence play out in both economics and entertainment.

Trade Wars and National Security

National security is now a big driver of U.S. economic decisions. While trade policies used to focus on jobs, growth, and market competition, today’s priorities include tech dominance, resource control, and geopolitical power plays.

In 2025, the U.S. hit Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports with heavy tariffs, citing issues like illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and trade imbalances. Canadian energy exports got hit with a 25% tariff, prompting Canada to fire back with its own tariffs on American goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slammed the move, warning it could wreck long-standing trade deals and destabilize the North American economy.

Economic and Geopolitical Fallout

The tariffs are already causing headaches. Americans are facing higher prices, businesses are dealing with increased costs, and inflation could spike. For Canada, the tariffs threaten its energy sector and access to the U.S. market.

On the geopolitical front, the U.S. is using tariffs as a national security tool, shaking up traditional trade norms and sidelining organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO). This aggressive approach signals a shift in how the U.S. wields economic power to achieve its strategic goals.

Culture Clash: Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake

While the trade war rages on, the hip-hop world is caught up in its own drama. Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s long-running feud, which started in 2013, hit new heights in 2024 and shows no signs of cooling off.

How It Started:

The beef kicked off in 2013 when Kendrick Lamar called out Drake (and others) in a verse on Big Sean’s track Control. Fast forward to March 2024, and Lamar dropped Not Like Us, a diss track aimed at Drake and J. Cole. Drake fired back with his own songs, keeping the feud alive.

Kendrick’s GNX Album (2024):

On November 22, 2024, Lamar surprise-dropped his sixth album, GNX. Featuring collaborations with SZA and Roddy Ricch, the album tackled themes of rivalry and loyalty without directly naming Drake. Critics praised its sharp lyrics and fast-paced beats, solidifying Lamar’s reputation as a hip-hop innovator.

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show:

Lamar is set to headline the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Rumors are swirling that he might perform Not Like Us, despite Drake’s defamation lawsuit. The performance could turn into a cultural moment, amplifying the tension between the two artists.

Bigger Picture: Economics, Security, and Culture

The U.S.-Canada trade spat and the Lamar-Drake beef show how economics, security, and culture are deeply intertwined. Economic decisions now factor in security concerns, cultural narratives, and national pride. Similarly, the Lamar-Drake rivalry reflects broader questions about authenticity, influence, and identity in the arts.

Both stories highlight the complexity of modern international relations, where economic policies and cultural expressions often collide. Understanding these connections is key to navigating today’s interconnected world.

Wrapping Up

The U.S.-Canada trade dispute and the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud are two sides of the same coin, showcasing how economics, security, and culture intersect. As the world grows more connected, leaders in both politics and the arts must navigate these complexities carefully, balancing competition with collaboration to drive progress in both the economy and the cultural landscape.