Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made headlines at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week with a speech that urged middle powers to “stop pretending” that the international rules-based order is still functioning and accept that they operate in a “might makes right” environment. In what felt like a direct challenge to America, Carney outlined why continuing to appease the U. S. under President Donald Trump wouldn’t work; how the current situation has left middle powers without enough influence; how these nations can change this by forming their own alliances with states that share their values and interests; and how Canada plans to take the lead in this effort.
Carney’s address received positive feedback because it was a skillfully crafted piece of political rhetoric-directed at the U. S. but meant for everyone else-that presented a clear view of what the international community needs to do to uphold international law and institutions amid diminishing U. S. dominance. Unfortunately, its message also echoed a grim narrative that has gained traction among foreign policy experts lately: that the international rules-based order is, if not completely dead, then largely ineffective.
This perspective has been brewing since Trump started dismantling U. S. foreign aid networks, withdrawing from international organizations, and openly disregarding international law. It surged recently following the invasion of Venezuela and Trump’s claim about acquiring Greenland. As Carney stated, “We all know the old order is not coming back. We shouldn’t mourn it.”
Source link
Source link
