Canada is adopting a foreign policy known as “variable geometry” to strengthen the influence of middle powers. According to UN Ambassador David Lametti, this strategy involves forming pragmatic, interest-based coalitions to address specific global issues, allowing countries to work effectively outside traditional superpower-dominated institutions.
What is Mark Carney’s “variable geometry” strategy?
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s vision focuses on middle powers banding together to advance their own interests and avoid being subjugated by superpowers. He introduced this approach during a speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos this January.
Carney describes “variable geometry” as a system of “dynamic, overlapping, pragmatic coalitions.” These groups are built around shared interests and, occasionally, shared values, rather than relying solely on established shared institutions.
This shift moves Canadian foreign policy away from a strict dependence on traditional allies toward a more flexible model. For example, Carney has suggested tackling climate change through multiple channels: using trade rules set by the European Union, technology standards from China and India, and nature-based solutions provided by Brazil.
The international group known as JUSCANZ—which includes Canada, Japan, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and South Korea—is pronounced like “juice cans.”
How are middle powers collaborating at the United Nations?
Ambassador David Lametti stated that Canada has been practicing variable geometry at the UN since the beginning. He noted that the UN provides a constant platform for countries to work with various regions to seek consensus on critical issues.
Lametti identifies several specific groupings currently driving the “middle powers agenda”:
- The Haiti Crisis Group: A UN group co-led by Ottawa and Washington that includes Central American governments to address gang violence and uncontrolled migration.
- The Mountains Group: A bloc of nations advocating for human rights, including Canada, Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland. Lametti noted this group has gained prominence as Washington has stepped back from championing human rights at the UN.
By working with counterparts in countries like Australia and New Zealand, Lametti said Canada is able to pool resources on issues ranging from the Israel-Palestine conflict to the involvement of women in peacekeeping operations.
What role does the JUSCANZ group play in global policy?
The JUSCANZ group serves as a mechanism for sharing information on policies that affect developed countries located outside of the European Union. According to Lametti, these coalitions allow like-minded nations to work more efficiently by pooling their efforts.
Canada is using these groups to advance specific priorities identified by the prime minister. These include the safe adoption of artificial intelligence and the protection of civilians living in active conflict zones.
How is Canada addressing economic coercion and trade?
To preserve rules-based trade amid economic coercion from both the U.S. and China, Canada is working to link the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with the European Union. This move seeks to create stability outside of the UN framework.
While shifting toward these new coalitions, Lametti clarified that Canada is not abandoning its traditional alliances. Speaking at a virtual panel held Monday by the NATO Association of Canada, Lametti said the goal is to build onto existing relationships rather than replace them.
He also emphasized that “re-establishing” productive relations with China and India remains a vital interest for Canadian diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “variable geometry” in foreign policy?
It is an approach where countries form flexible, pragmatic coalitions based on specific shared interests or goals rather than sticking strictly to traditional, permanent institutions.
Which countries are part of the Mountains Group?
The group includes Canada, Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
Is Canada moving away from its traditional allies?
No. According to Ambassador David Lametti, Canada is adding to its traditional alliances rather than abandoning them.
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