Davos, Jan 21: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rocked the World Economic Forum with a hard-hitting speech that took direct aim at President Donald Trump’s global approach while urging middle powers like India to unite against a crumbling world order.
Carney warned that the decades-old US-led system underpinning global politics and trade is “breaking apart,” declaring “We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” He drew a rare standing ovation from political leaders, financiers, and executives by arguing that “rules no longer protect” as powerful nations weaponize tariffs, supply chains, and financial systems for coercion.
Without naming Trump directly, Carney referenced the US president’s tariff threats against allies, his push to control Greenland from Denmark, and past remarks calling Canada the “51st state.” He cautioned smaller nations against appeasement, stating “middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, we’re on the menu.”
The Canadian PM positioned India prominently in his vision for collective resilience, confirming ongoing free trade negotiations with India alongside ASEAN, Thailand, Philippines, and Mercosur. “We’re pursuing variable geometry—different coalitions for different issues based on common values and interests,” Carney said, citing recent strategic partnerships with China and Qatar.
Carney reaffirmed Canada’s support for Greenland and Denmark against US pressures, declaring Ottawa’s “unwavering” commitment to NATO’s Article Five. Framing his argument through Czech dissident Václav Havel’s writings, he urged nations to stop “living within a lie” about a defunct global order, concluding “Nostalgia is not a strategy.”
The speech, reportedly written by Carney himself rather than staff, marked a notable departure that underscored its personal urgency amid escalating great power rivalries
