The Iran war, which started February 28th with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader amid nuclear and missile tensions, is a high stakes conflict for the world. Here are a few ways the war might impact Canada:
Iran War and Democratic Decline
The Iran war speeds up democratic decline by further allowing leaders to launch large-scale military attacks with little input from parliaments or Congress, giving executive branches of government too much unchecked power. This has the potential to erode public debate and normal safeguards, making so-called emergency rule feel routine and weakening democracy’s core balances in the process.
Iran War and International Order
This war also further weakens the international rules-based order, as the opening strikes ignored United Nations approval and stretched force laws without clear self-defence proof. When big countries ditch treaties and the UN for raw military action, it shows others that global laws don’t matter, eroding trust in systems meant to prevent wars. In turn, this war could help strengthen the hand of dictators like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and be used to justify his illegal invasion of the Ukraine.
Iran War and Peace
On the flip side, the Iran war could pave the way for peace by decisively weakening Iran’s nuclear program and proxy militias, removing long-term threats to Israel and the region. A swift regime change or surrender might also spark internal reforms, stabilizing the Middle East and letting countries focus on diplomacy over endless conflict.
Iran War and Oil
Iran appears to be using oil as a bargaining chip with its Strait of Hormuz threats, spiking global oil prices as a result. While this will further drive up the cost at the pump in Canada, deepening the cost-of-living crisis in this country, it could also boost revenues for oil producing provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, helping the finances of those provinces – and Canada – in the process.
Iran War and Environment
Like oil, water scarcity – worsened by climate change – could become an even more powerful geopolitical weapon in the Iran war, allowing control over shared rivers and reservoirs to pressure or punish neighbouring countries. This control of dwindling water resources could escalate existing tensions or force states reliant on those supplies to alter their political or military stances.
Iran War and Trade War with America
Prime Minister Mark Carney initially backed US President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran – possibly eyeing trade war favours from the White House – but shifted positions as the war widened and its justifications were questioned. Canada will need to balance a population that is increasingly offside with the war and the public’s equal desire to see the economic pain caused by the trade war lessened.
Iran War and Canada
This conflict echoes Carney’s January 2026 Davos speech, underscoring the importance of countering great-power rivalry via plurilateral trade, minerals clubs, and Arctic security. Yet it also diverts focus from Canadian priorities – stopping the war in the Ukraine, resolving the cost-of-living crisis, and addressing other global threats, from trade disputes to environmental risks.
And don’t forget, Canada might yet be dragged into this war in a more direct way. If Iran targets a NATO-member country through missile attacks or state-sponsored terrorism, NATO considers an attack on one member-nation as an attack on all member-nations, potentially thrusting Canada – and the world – into a much more significant armed conflict.
This topic was covered thanks to a Nature Labs member’s request. Have a topic you want covered for your classroom? Send us a note!
Reflection Questions and Key Terms
Questions
- Why might this war affect countries outside the Middle East, including Canada?
- How could war increase the power of national leaders and weaken democratic systems?
- Why is the rules-based international order important for preventing conflicts?
- How could the conflict affect global oil prices and the Canadian economy?
- What role might water scarcity play in increasing tensions in the region? Does Canada have to worry about this issue?
- Why might Canada’s government face pressure from both the United States and Canadian citizens over its position on the war?
- How could NATO involvement potentially expand the conflict?
- What are some possible positive outcomes mentioned in the article?
- What risks could this war could create for the global community?
- If you were a Canadian policy advisor, what would you recommend Canada do in response to this conflict (be sure to explain your reasoning!:
- strongly support its allies,
- remain neutral, or
- focus on diplomacy and peace negotiations?
Terms
Democratic Decline
Emergency Powers/Emergency Rule
Rules-Based International Order
Regime Change
Proxy Militias
Geopolitics
Cost-of-Living Crisis
Trade War
Plurilateral Trade
Collective Defence
Course Specific Questions & Activities
Social Studies/Civics
- How might wars influence the balance of power between democratic institutions and political leaders?
- Why are international organizations like the United Nations important for maintaining global peace? Are they effective?
- Should countries be allowed to launch military strikes without UN approval? Why or why not?
- How might global conflicts affect Canada’s foreign policy decisions?
- What responsibilities do NATO members have to one another under the principle of collective defence?
- How might this conflict affect Canada’s role in global diplomacy and peacekeeping?
Science
- How could climate change and water scarcity increase the risk of conflicts between countries?
- Why are natural resources like oil and water often connected to geopolitical tensions?
- What environmental damage can result from large-scale military conflicts?
- How might rising oil prices influence the transition toward renewable energy?
- What scientific solutions could help reduce water shortages in regions experiencing conflict?
English/Language Arts
- Write a short editorial paragraph expressing whether Canada should support, oppose, or stay neutral in this conflict.
- How does the article use cause-and-effect relationships to explain global consequences?
- Choose one section (oil, environment, democracy, etc.) and write a short summary in your own words in two or three sentences.
- Write a short persuasive paragraph arguing whether wars tend to strengthen or weaken democracy.
Art/Media
- If you were designing the cover image for a news magazine about this conflict, what image or symbols would you choose to represent the global impact of the war? Describe your design and explain how your choices would help readers understand the issue.
- Create an infographic showing the connections between war, oil prices, and the cost of living in Canada.
- How might media images influence public opinion about wars happening in other parts of the world?
- What visual symbols could represent peace, conflict, and international cooperation?
Careers/Real-World Connections
- What careers are involved in managing international conflicts (eg. diplomats, military leaders, intelligence analysts)?
- How might journalists influence public understanding of global conflicts?
- What skills do diplomats need when negotiating peace agreements between countries?
- How could careers in energy, environmental science, or economics be affected by global conflicts?
- What role do international organizations and NGOs play in responding to wars?
Extension Activity by Subject
(click subject to expand)
Social Studies/Civics: War and Global Consequences Discussion
Activity:
Divide students into small groups and assign each group one section of the article (Democracy, International Order, Oil, Environment, Trade, or NATO).
Each group should:
- Explain their section in their own words.
- Identify two possible impacts on Canada.
- Decide whether their issue represents a risk, an opportunity, or both for Canada.
Groups present their findings to the class.
Finish with a whole-class discussion: Which issue could have the biggest impact on Canada and why?
Science: Resources and Conflict
Activity:
Students explore how natural resources can influence global conflict.
- Choose one resource mentioned or implied in the article (oil, water, etc.).
- Research how that resource affects international relationships.
- Create a simple diagram or concept map showing:
- the resource
- environmental factors affecting it
- how shortages or control of the resource could lead to political tension.
Students briefly explain their diagrams to a partner or small group.
English: Perspective Writing
Activity:
Students write a short 250–300 word editorial responding to the question:
What role should Canada play in international conflicts like this one?
Students should:
- clearly state their opinion
- refer to at least two ideas from the article
- explain their reasoning.
Students read their editorials aloud and discuss the different perspectives presented.
Art/Media: Visualizing Global Impact
Activity:
Students design a visual representation of the war’s global effects.
Options include:
- a political cartoon
- a magazine cover
- a social media awareness graphic
- a symbolic illustration
The artwork should represent at least two issues from the article (for example oil prices, democracy, water scarcity, or global alliances).
Students include a short artist statement explaining the message behind their design.
Careers
Careers Activity: Careers Behind Global Events
Activity:
Students explore careers connected to international conflicts.
- Choose one career related to the issues in the article (examples: diplomat, journalist, economist, environmental scientist, military officer, intelligence analyst, energy policy expert).
- Research and answer:
- What does this job involve?
- What education or skills are required?
- How might someone in this role respond to a conflict like the one described?
Students present a brief 1–2 minute overview of their chosen career to the class.