Carney Warns Global Order Is Cracking at Davos, Calls on Middle Powers to Unite
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent a clear signal to global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 20, 2026, saying the international system most nations relied on is crumbling and middle powers must reshape the future. Reports from Davos show Carney’s remarks were widely interpreted as a critique of policies tied to U.S. power and unilateralism.
Carney’s speech acknowledged growing tensions between major powers, including tariffs, territorial pressure, and eroding trust in institutions. Rising stakes were evident as discussions of Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, allied tariff threats and debates over NATO dominated the forum agenda.
In a striking part of his address, he drew on ideas from Czech dissident Václav Havel’s essay The Power of the Powerless, urging nations and companies alike to stop “performing” within a system they privately know is failing — a reference captured in remarks circulating from the event.
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Carney argued middle powers like Canada cannot simply align bilaterally with dominant states and hope to prosper; instead, they must build new coalitions and strengthen strategic autonomy. “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” Carney reportedly said.
He also voiced opposition to recent tariffs tied to geopolitical disputes and emphasized the need for collaboration for Arctic security and prosperity.
Carney’s message matters because it underscores rising geopolitical fragmentation and a potential shift toward more multipolar global governance — an issue that could reorder trade, security and global cooperation.
Next, leaders at Davos are expected to respond to Carney’s call with concrete alliance proposals and debate frameworks for the “new world order” he described.
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