Carney Declares Old World Order Gone at Davos Amid Trump Crisis
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has delivered a stark warning to global elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declaring that the US-led international system is experiencing a fundamental rupture. His speech, which came just one day before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to address the same gathering, painted a picture of a world defined by great power rivalry and a fading rules-based order.
A Rupture, Not a Transition
"We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition," Carney told assembled political and financial leaders. He emphasised that Canada had historically benefited enormously from the old system, including from American hegemony which provided public goods like open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security, and frameworks for resolving disputes. However, that era is conclusively over.
"A new reality has set in," Carney stated. "Call it what it is: a system of intensifying great power rivalry where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as coercion." In a clear message to middle powers, he warned that simply hoping "compliance will buy safety" is a dangerous illusion. "It won't," he asserted bluntly.
The Imperative for Middle Powers to Unite
The Prime Minister framed the critical challenge facing nations like Canada. "The question for middle powers is not whether to adapt to this new reality. We must. The question is whether we adapt by simply building higher walls – or whether we can do something more ambitious."
Carney argued that collective action is the only viable path forward for countries without the market size, military capacity, or leverage of superpowers. "Middle powers must act together, because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu," he said, coining a memorable phrase for the geopolitical dilemma. "Great powers can afford for now to go it alone. Middle powers do not."
Davos Overshadowed by Trump's Greenland Gambit
Carney's sober analysis was delivered against the backdrop of a mounting crisis triggered by President Trump's determined bid to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Trump's arrival in Davos was set for a showdown with European leaders, with his ambitions threatening to tear the transatlantic NATO alliance apart.
The US President has framed the mineral-rich, autonomous Danish territory as vital for US and NATO security against Russia and China in a melting Arctic. He has turned up the pressure by threatening tariffs of up to 25% on eight European countries for supporting Denmark, prompting threats of European countermeasures.
European Leaders Close Ranks Against "Bully" Tactics
Leaders in the Swiss ski resort have united in opposition to Trump's aggressive "America First" stance. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to stand against "bullies," criticising the "useless aggressivity" of Trump's tariff threats. Macron stated that now was "not a time for new imperialism or new colonialism." The European Union has promised an "unflinching" response to US pressure.
When asked how far he was prepared to go to acquire Greenland, Trump replied ominously: "You’ll find out." He insisted his plan was irreversible and scheduled multiple meetings on the issue during the forum.
Canada's Firm Stance and Underlying Tensions
Prime Minister Carney left no doubt about where Canada stands. "Canada stands firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully supports their unique right to determine Greenland’s future," he declared. This solidarity comes amid revealed underlying tensions with the United States.
A report by Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper, published just before Carney's speech, indicated that the Canadian military has developed a model response to a potential US invasion. Citing senior officials, the paper said the model centres on insurgency-style tactics. This planning follows Trump's past references to Canada as a potential "51st state" and a recent social media post implying a US takeover of both Canada and Venezuela.
Greenland's Prime Minister added to the grave atmosphere, stating his nation's tiny population of 57,000 must be prepared for the potential use of military force. As the biggest rift in decades opens between Washington and Europe, Carney's message in Davos served as a powerful reminder that the geopolitical landscape has irrevocably changed, and middle powers must forge a new path to secure their futures.
