Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a stark assessment of the current global landscape at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, January 20, 2026. He characterized the present moment not as a period of transition, but as a “rupture,” marked by the weaponization of economic tools by major global powers.
A Shift in Global Power Dynamics
According to Carney, “great powers” are increasingly utilizing economic integration as a means of coercion, employing tariffs, financial infrastructure, and supply chains as leverage. He argued that nations can no longer rely on the premise of “mutual benefit through integration” when that very integration leads to subordination.
Carney specifically advocated for “middle powers,” including Canada, to collaborate and build collective leverage against these dominant forces. He asserted that bilateral negotiations with a “hegemon” result in weakness, acceptance of imposed terms, and competition for favor rather than genuine sovereignty.
The Call for Collective Action
The Prime Minister contrasted a path of competition with one of collaboration, stating that countries have a choice: to compete for favor or to “combine to create a third path with impact.” He called on other nations to join Canada in pursuing shared values, specifically citing support for Ukraine, NATO, and the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.
Carney cautioned against continuing to describe the international order as “rules-based” when, in his view, it functions as a system of intensifying rivalry where powerful nations prioritize their own interests. He concluded by emphasizing Canada’s commitment to openly and confidently pursuing a path of collective strength, inviting other nations to join them.
His speech was met with a standing ovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Carney identify as a key characteristic of the current global situation?
Carney described the current global situation as a “rupture,” not a transition, characterized by “great powers” using economic tools as weapons.
What did Carney suggest “middle powers” like Canada should do?
Carney suggested that “middle powers” should work together to gain leverage against “great powers” and create a “third path with impact.”
What nations did Carney specifically mention as examples of shared values?
Carney cited support for Ukraine, NATO, and the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland as examples of shared values.
As global powers reassess their strategies and alliances, what role do you foresee for international cooperation in navigating these shifting dynamics?
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