Davos Forum | Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Declares the Collapse of the International Order: Small Nations Unite to Counter Hegemony of Major Powers

On January 20th, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (Mark Carney) delivered a powerful speech. He rarely took a firm stance, declaring that the long-standing “rules-based international order” has become a fiction, calling for middle powers to unite against great power hegemony and rebuild strategic autonomy. This speech not only redefined Canada’s national policy stance but also marked the beginning of geopolitical restructuring in the turbulent year of 2026.

Farewell to the “Fictional Order”! Carney: Middle Powers Need Unity

In his speech, Carney explicitly challenged the status of the United States. He pointed out that the international rules relied upon by countries over the past decades are no longer effective, and this order is now merely a “fiction.” He quoted Czech dissident Václav Havel, emphasizing that the world is at a severe “rupture (Rupture)” point.

He called on world leaders to face reality without clinging to the old order that cannot be restored:

Great powers have begun to see economic advantages as weapons, tariffs as bargaining chips, financial infrastructure as coercive tools, and supply chains as exploitable vulnerabilities.

He stated, “Middle powers need to unite to build something bigger, better, stronger, and more just.”

From Dependence to Confrontation: Canada’s Quiet Shift in US Relations

Regarding Canada-US relations, Carney echoed his radical stance since his March 2025 speech, declaring the end of Canada’s traditional partnership with the United States. Politico interpreted that, in the face of the US government viewing tariffs as geopolitical extortion, Carney is actively leading a new order excluding the US, composed of like-minded countries:

When these collaborations become the root of your subjugation, you can no longer live in the lie of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

Carney emphasized, “We are pursuing a ‘variable geometry (variable geometry)’ cooperation strategy, forming different alliances based on shared values and interests for different issues.”

Defending the Arctic Line: Macron Supports Danish and Greenland Sovereignty

On the issue of Greenland sovereignty, Carney demonstrated his determination to uphold international rule of law. Facing the US’s insistence on annexing Greenland, he stood alongside French President Macron, reaffirming strong support for Danish and Greenland sovereignty, and committed to maintaining security in the Arctic region.

Carney stressed that sovereignty over Arctic islands should not be a prize in great power games. Through close cooperation with European allies, he aims to demonstrate that middle powers possess the collective strength to curb the expansion ambitions of major powers.

(Davos Forum｜Greenland and Taiwan Both Mentioned, US Treasury Secretary Discusses Key Geopolitical Frontlines)

Implementing “Variable Geometry” Diplomacy: Beijing Trip Reshapes Geopolitical Balance

Before the Davos Forum, Carney had just completed a visit to Beijing last week, seen as a turning point in thawing US-China relations and a strategic prelude to US relations. By restoring dialogue with Chinese authorities after years of interruption, Canada successfully reached consensus on energy cooperation, electric vehicles, and agricultural trade.

This visit can be seen as the practical implementation of Carney’s “variable geometry” diplomatic strategy. By diversifying trade risks and reducing dependence on the US, Carney is working to give Canada greater negotiating space, ensuring that the country does not lose influence in this great power game.

This article, Davos Forum｜Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Declares the Collapse of the International Order: Small Countries Unite Against Great Power Hegemony, first appeared on Lian News ABMedia.