Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney says that the country must stop pretending that the old international order still exists, as great-power rivalry intensifies. Instead, he argues that middle powers like Canada must build their own strength at home and work together to create a new world order based on shared values such as human rights, sustainable development, and respect for sovereignty.
Carney warns that if countries abandon the idea of rules-based international relations, they will become poorer, more fragile, and less sustainable. He argues that great powers cannot continually exploit their relationships with middle powers without facing backlash from allies who are diversifying to hedge against uncertainty.
In response, Canada is building its own strength by investing in domestic industries, cutting taxes on income and capital gains, and increasing defense spending. The country is also engaging in value-based realism, which involves being both principled and pragmatic in its foreign policy approach.
Carney emphasizes that middle powers must act together to counterbalance the power of great powers. He argues that if they do not, they will be at the mercy of powerful nations that can dictate terms through economic coercion. However, he also acknowledges that some countries may choose to go it alone, but this is a less effective approach.
Ultimately, Carney sees Canada's role as one of building a new international order based on shared values and cooperation. He argues that middle powers have the capacity to stop pretending about the world and to build a better future by working together.
Canada has made significant investments in areas such as energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence, which will help it to diversify its economy and reduce its vulnerability to external shocks. The country is also building relationships with like-minded democracies to promote cooperation on global challenges.
Carney concludes that Canada's path forward involves being honest about the world as it is, rather than mourning the loss of the old order. He argues that by working together and building their own strength, middle powers can create a more just and equitable world.
The article highlights the need for middle powers to take an active role in shaping the international order. Carney's speech at Davos marks a significant shift in Canada's approach to international relations, as it seeks to build a new world order based on shared values and cooperation.
Canada's path forward is wide open to any country willing to join it. By working together and building their own strength, middle powers can create a more just and equitable world.
Carney warns that if countries abandon the idea of rules-based international relations, they will become poorer, more fragile, and less sustainable. He argues that great powers cannot continually exploit their relationships with middle powers without facing backlash from allies who are diversifying to hedge against uncertainty.
In response, Canada is building its own strength by investing in domestic industries, cutting taxes on income and capital gains, and increasing defense spending. The country is also engaging in value-based realism, which involves being both principled and pragmatic in its foreign policy approach.
Carney emphasizes that middle powers must act together to counterbalance the power of great powers. He argues that if they do not, they will be at the mercy of powerful nations that can dictate terms through economic coercion. However, he also acknowledges that some countries may choose to go it alone, but this is a less effective approach.
Ultimately, Carney sees Canada's role as one of building a new international order based on shared values and cooperation. He argues that middle powers have the capacity to stop pretending about the world and to build a better future by working together.
Canada has made significant investments in areas such as energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence, which will help it to diversify its economy and reduce its vulnerability to external shocks. The country is also building relationships with like-minded democracies to promote cooperation on global challenges.
Carney concludes that Canada's path forward involves being honest about the world as it is, rather than mourning the loss of the old order. He argues that by working together and building their own strength, middle powers can create a more just and equitable world.
The article highlights the need for middle powers to take an active role in shaping the international order. Carney's speech at Davos marks a significant shift in Canada's approach to international relations, as it seeks to build a new world order based on shared values and cooperation.
Canada's path forward is wide open to any country willing to join it. By working together and building their own strength, middle powers can create a more just and equitable world.