CANZUK, a proposed alliance between Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom that is similar to the European Union (EU), has garnered a fresh wave of interest amid growing political tensions around the globe. It’s no mistake that the United States was left out of the club.
In fact, the exclusion of the U.S. is part of CANZUK’s appeal. Some proponents see this potential alliance as an apt response to the global outcry against many of President Donald Trump’s actions.
Canada, Australia, and the U.K. are already united in some of their frustrations with the U.S., as demonstrated by their joint boycott of U.S. national parks as well as U.S. travel as a whole. Could CANZUK provide the rallying point for further exclusive actions against the U.S.?
Four Eyes Out Of Five: Canadians Show Strong Support For CANZUK
CANZUK suggests an alliance between all but one of the countries included in the Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC). FIORC is an intelligence-sharing organization that includes security entities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Notably, the U.S. is the only one of these countries not included in the idea of CANZUK.
The non-profit organization CANZUK International is the primary champion of this prospective alliance. If implemented, CANZUK would theoretically facilitate:
Migration between the nations, allowing citizens to travel, relocate, and even work without work permits or visas if they meet certain requirements
Free trade without customs duties
Foreign policy collaboration regarding defense, judicial, constitutional, and intelligence matters
These policies are similar to those enjoyed by EU member states. And a recent poll shows extremely strong support for the idea.
CANZUK Member
% Of Nationals Who Support CANZUK
Canada
76%
Australia
73%
New Zealand
82%
United Kingdom
68%
CANZUK is not a new idea, though. The campaign was originally launched in 2015 and garnered a fresh wave of attention in 2020 following Brexit. The U.K.’s departure from the European Union created travel complications that are still causing confusion, even for some Americans with dual British nationality.
The idea of CANZUK, however, could potentially improve international travel for those who are mourning the loss of their EU access.
The Time Is Now: CANZUK International’s Call To Unite In The Face Of Trump’s Presidency
In January 2025, shortly after Trump’s inauguration, CANZUK International reignited its call to action for the collaboration. Commenters on social media were largely supportive of the proposal.
“We would stand as the last vestige of hope in a dark world of disorder and corruption,” said one comment on Facebook.
Another Facebook commenter noted that CANZUK would be “something to repair the damage of Brexit as well as far as the UK is concerned.”
Many people, however, felt that CANZUK had lingered on the horizon for too long to be taken seriously.
There’s A Fresh Wave Of Enthusiasm For CANZUK In Today’s Climate
CANZUK alliance comprising Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom (UK)Credit: via Shutterstock
The more recent Instagram post shows that many are still in favor of CANZUK if the idea can get off the ground. The United States’ omission from the group did not go unnoticed, with one commenter cleverly saying, “Let’s building an English speaking countries club and not tell America.”
For many supporters, the exclusion of the U.S. is one of the plan’s greatest selling points. “I’ll support anything if it reduces our dependency on the U.S.” was a comment echoed by many.
“As a British Person I endorse this I mean we live in a world where nations are trying to move away from relying on an America that currently can’t keep its own house in order. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. have already great ties via the commonwealth and it could work easily given pacific and Atlantic trade route access that Canada has,” noted one comment.
However, not all comments were positive about the potential for CANZUK. One blatantly said, “No thanks! Every single one of these countries is a disaster right now.”
“All 4 countries have mass immigration issues. Now you wanted them to move even more freely around the world?” one commenter asked.
Others warned that CANZUK would mark the beginning of globalism and called for everyone to reject the idea.
Though conversation is flowing, CANZUK is an idea that’s seen little in the way of real progress. After more than a decade in the wings, the proposed alliance needs not only enthusiasm but also action to see any meaningful changes.