Canada and the old rules-based order
Mark Carney, during a speech at Davos, noted that Canada benefited from the previous rules-based international order. He highlighted American hegemony’s role in providing open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security, and frameworks for dispute resolution.
But a new reality has emerged. “Call it what it is: a system of intensifying great power rivalry where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as coercion,” Carney said.
He warned middle powers, including Canada, that compliance alone will not guarantee safety. “We must adapt. The question is whether we build higher walls or pursue something more ambitious,” he added.
Middle powers must act together
“Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu,” Carney said. He stressed that great powers can go it alone due to market size, military capacity, and leverage, but middle powers do not have that luxury.
Trump and Greenland: Rising tensions
Trump arrived in Davos for a showdown with European leaders over his bid to acquire Greenland. He argued the mineral-rich territory is vital for US and NATO security amid Arctic changes and competition with Russia and China.
European leaders have pushed back. French President Emmanuel Macron criticised Trump’s aggressive stance as “useless aggressivity” and rejected any new imperialist actions. The EU pledged an “unflinching” response. Greenland’s prime minister warned that the island’s 57,000 residents must prepare for potential military threats.
Trump has also threatened tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries supporting Denmark, prompting the EU to signal countermeasures.
Canada stands firm
Carney reaffirmed Canada’s position, stating: “Canada stands firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully supports their unique right to determine Greenland’s future.”
He also emphasised the broader geopolitical lesson: middle powers must cooperate to safeguard their interests in an era of intensifying global rivalry.
Source: The Guardian
Also read: Trade tensions between US and Europe rattle global markets
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