Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a powerful address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, focusing on the 'new world order' and the challenges faced by middle powers like Canada amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The speech came as global dynamics shift with the United States, Russia, and China asserting their influence, and U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies. Carney emphasized the need for countries to break away from the illusion of a rules-based international order, which he argued no longer protects smaller nations.

Carney's speech drew parallels to Václav Havel's essay 'The Power of the Powerless,' comparing the current global order to a system sustained by compliance and ritualistic performances rather than genuine commitment. He highlighted the failures of multilateral institutions like the WTO and UN, which have historically provided stability and collective security. The speech underscored the need for greater strategic autonomy as countries seek to protect themselves in an increasingly fragmented world.

The address urged a shift towards collective resilience and shared standards to mitigate the costs of strategic autonomy. Carney warned that a world of isolated fortresses would be less sustainable and more fragile. Instead, he advocated for countries to pool resources and invest in shared standards, emphasizing that cooperation, not isolation, is the path forward in this complex global landscape.