Prime Minister Mark Carney gave a forceful speech Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on the “new world order” and how middle powers like Canada can benefit by working together. The speech was delivered against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions between great powers like Russia, China and the United States, and as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens allies with tariffs and pushes to acquire Greenland from Denmark, a member of the NATO military alliance.
Key points from Carney’s address:
• Carney said the traditional rules-based international order — especially the U.S.–led system that has underpinned global stability since WWII — is breaking down and “not coming back.” He described this as a rupture, not a transition, driven by great-power rivalry and the use of economic tools like tariffs as coercive weapons.
• He warned that middle powers (like Canada) can’t rely on large powers or old alliances for security and prosperity; instead, they must work together to shape a new, value-based global framework. “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.”
• Carney stressed that multilateral institutions (WTO, UN, climate forums) are diminished and that countries should build strategic autonomy, resilience, and diversified partnerships rather than assume others will protect shared interests.
• He outlined Canada’s own strategy: strengthening the domestic economy, cutting taxes, investing in energy, AI and critical minerals, boosting defence spending, and expanding trade and security partnerships across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
• Although he did not name U.S. President Donald Trump, much of the speech was framed in response to recent U.S. actions seen as undermining multilateral norms and pressuring allies — a context that sparked debate and rebuttals at the forum.
Overall message: Carney called for middle powers to unite and lead in creating a more resilient, cooperative world order suited to current geopolitical realities, rather than clinging to the old system.
Source: globalnews.ca/news & AI
