I think Canadians are more interested in international events

The fate of a nation is shaped not only by its own choices but also by the storms of the wider world. When Jordan Peterson declared, “I think Canadians are more interested in international events than Americans because it is such a small country, so politics affect it more,” he revealed a truth about the relationship between size, power, and vulnerability. Great nations, vast and dominant, often believe they are insulated from the currents of global change. Smaller nations, however, live with the constant awareness that decisions made beyond their borders can alter their destiny.

At the heart of this teaching lies the reality of interdependence. Canada, though vast in land, is small in population and economic influence compared to its southern neighbor, the United States. For such nations, the actions of foreign governments, alliances, and conflicts ripple like waves across their own shores. Thus, Canadians must remain vigilant and attentive to international events, for global politics are not distant stories—they are forces that shape the very fabric of their society. Awareness becomes a form of protection, a shield against being swept away by the designs of more powerful states.

History offers countless examples of this truth. Consider the outbreak of World War II. Though Canada did not seek conflict, the decisions of foreign powers drew it inexorably into the global struggle. Canadian soldiers fought bravely on distant shores, their sacrifices driven by the actions of nations thousands of miles away. Meanwhile, the United States, with its vast resources and geographical distance, remained isolated for years before entering the war. This difference illustrates Peterson’s point: small nations must pay close attention to the world, for they cannot afford to be ignorant of the tides that may soon engulf them.

In contrast, powerful nations often look inward, their immense strength giving them a false sense of independence. The United States, with its size and influence, can sometimes shape global politics rather than merely respond to them. As a result, its citizens may feel detached from international affairs, believing that events abroad have little bearing on their daily lives. While this perception is not entirely true, it reflects the privilege of power—a privilege smaller nations do not share.

Peterson’s words also carry a warning about responsibility. Awareness of global politics is not merely about survival; it is about moral duty. Smaller nations, by watching the world closely, can act as voices of conscience, calling out injustice and advocating for peace. Canada’s role in peacekeeping and diplomacy is a testament to this idea. Its attentiveness to the struggles of others has allowed it to act as a bridge between nations, proving that even those with less power can wield great influence through wisdom and vigilance.

Let this lesson be remembered: the size of a nation determines not only its strength but its sensitivity to the world beyond its borders. Those who dwell in smaller lands must be ever watchful, for the decisions of the mighty can shake their foundations. Yet in this watchfulness lies a hidden strength—the power to see clearly, to act swiftly, and to remind greater nations that no kingdom, however vast, stands alone in the dance of history.