Is Chaos a Distraction?

Is Chaos a Distraction?

Author: TD Securities January 22, 2026 Duration: 50:23
Two weeks have passed since Frank last spoke to listeners. Since then, it has been chaos in global geopolitical circles, with Frank wondering whether some of this noise is meant to distract from issues the US Administration would prefer to take a back seat in the current news cycle. Trump's consistent musings about owning Greenland have become a major escalation of geopolitical risk, and Frank worries that it is at this juncture in cross-border disputes when mistakes happen, someone says or does the wrong thing, and a situation destabilizes. He is hopeful that cooler heads prevail, and an off ramp can be found in Davos. Frank still wonders why the US Administration claims it needs Greenland, asking "why buy the cow when you already get the milk for free?" This month's podcast also covers tariffs, Iran, Minnesota, Venezuela, the Board of Peace, the Munroe Doctrine, Canada's China pivot, Legault's resignation in Quebec, Powell's Fed Indictment, populist market interventions by Trump and Prime Minister Carney's "sobering" speech to the World Economic Forum. This podcast was recorded on January 20, 2026 Chapter Headings: 01:10 US vs NATO on Greenland 06:04 Study Confirms Cost of Tariffs Borne by US Consumer 10:37 Jawboning The Supreme Court Over Tariffs 13:30 Carney's Sobering Speech in Davos 15:19 Trump Rhetoric over Greenland Eerily Similar to Putin and Ukraine 18:17 Iranian Military Quells Uprising 20:20 Two Weeks Later – What Lies Ahead for Venezuela 23:48 Trump's Alternative to the UN – A So-Called "Board of Peace" 27:14 Listener Mailbag – MAGA Supporter Asks Frank about Munroe Doctrine 35:38 Trump's Populist Marketplace Interventions 37:54 ICE and Minnesota 40:10 Powell and Fed Independence 41:40 Legault Resignation Throws Open Quebec's Leadership Race

Each month, Peter Haynes sits down with Frank McKenna for a conversation that cuts through the noise of global headlines. The Geopolitics with Frank McKenna podcast provides a rare perspective, shaped by McKenna’s unique blend of experience as a former Canadian Premier and Ambassador to the U.S., now serving as Deputy Chair at TD Securities. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a practical analysis of how international tensions, trade disputes, and shifting alliances directly impact markets and business strategies. You’ll hear nuanced takes on the stories dominating the news, grounded in a deep understanding of both political corridors and boardrooms. Haynes guides these monthly dialogues to unpack complex issues with clarity, making the forces shaping our world accessible and relevant. For anyone looking to comprehend the real-world implications of global power dynamics, this series offers essential listening. The insights throughout this podcast come from a place of firsthand experience, offering listeners a valuable lens on the interconnected nature of policy and finance. Tune in for thoughtful, forward-looking conversations that go beyond the soundbite.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 53

Geopolitics with Frank McKenna
Podcast Episodes
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Frank is back after a month off with a lot to cover in the current Episode 67. He starts with a review of Canada's handling of forest fires, an area where Canada is arguably a world leader, and what can be done in the ne…
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Frank's focus during the June episode of Geopolitics was on analyzing the fluid situation in the Middle East following Israel's 12-day war with Iran and the US's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Stepping back…