This global sense of responsibility grew to an understanding of itself as a global leader – with obligations to the nascent democracies and the oppressed, as well as to preserving the routes of global trade. [...] The American trade deficit has grown in the past year, mostly due to policies the Trump administration has enacted, yet the blame continues to fall on the shoulders of the trading partners. [...] No matter what the Canadians bring to the negotiating table, if the disconnect between one party seeking a trade agreement for the future and one party looking to reinvigorate the past is not addressed, the parties will continue to talk past each other. [...] The disconnect between the intended outcome (displaying how the status quo on regional content is optimal for the North American auto sector), and the actual outcome (convincing the USTR that manufacturing continues to be at risk because of NAFTA) is representative of the ongoing dialogue. [...] Until one or the other partners brings a proposal to the negotiating table that addresses the manufacturing issue, the chances of finding a pathway out of this impasse are slim.