Why Mark Carney’s Davos Speech Is Being Seen as a Turning Point for the Global Order
At Davos, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney questioned the fading rules-based world order, warned middle powers against going it alone, and drew sharp reactions from Donald Trump, global leaders, and media. His speech is now being seen as a clear sign of shifting global power.
Mark Carney’s Davos Speech on a Changing World Order
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, focusing on the idea of a new world order. He said that middle-power countries like Canada can benefit only by working together. His remarks came at a time when tensions are rising among major powers such as Russia, China, and the United States, and when US President Donald Trump has been threatening tariffs against allied nations.
At the same time, the United States is attempting to gain control of Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally. Against this backdrop, Carney’s Davos speech has gone viral, with many observers saying it was the first time a Western leader openly acknowledged such harsh global realities.
Carney Questions the Rules-Based International System
Speaking at Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney said it was time to “take down the signboards.” He explained that for decades, countries like Canada had prospered under what was called a rules-based international order. They joined its institutions, praised its principles, and benefited from it, which allowed them to follow values-based foreign policies. But he said the world has now entered an era of great-power competition where that system is weakening, and powerful nations increasingly act as they wish while weaker ones are left to endure the consequences.
Carney said the story of the rules-based order was never fully true. The strongest countries often gave themselves exceptions when it suited them. Trade rules were applied unevenly, and international law was enforced differently depending on who the accused or the victim was. While US dominance did provide stability through open sea routes, a stable financial system, and collective security, countries chose to overlook the gap between rhetoric and reality. He said that compromise no longer works and made it clear that the world is not in a transition, but in the middle of a breakdown.
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Why Middle Powers Are at a Disadvantage
Carney said great powers can afford to act alone because they have market size, military strength, and the ability to set terms. Middle-power countries do not have those advantages. When they negotiate directly with stronger nations, they do so from a position of weakness and often have no option but to accept what is offered.
Trump’s Sharp Response at Davos
US President Donald Trump responded to Carney’s speech at the same Davos forum. He accused Canada of being ungrateful toward the United States, saying Canada receives many benefits from America but does not show appreciation. Trump said he watched Carney’s speech and felt that the Canadian prime minister did not appear thankful enough. He claimed that Canada exists because of the United States and said Carney should remember that before making statements in the future.
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Growing Tensions Between Trump and Carney
Following this exchange, tensions between Trump and Carney have continued to rise. Trump had earlier invited Canada to join a “Board of Peace,” but later withdrew the invitation. Trump previously had poor relations with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and it now appears that Canada’s current prime minister has also become a target of criticism.
Carney Pushes Back in a National Address
Responding to Trump, Mark Carney said in a national address from Quebec City that while Canada and the United States have built a strong partnership, Canada does not exist because of America. He said Canada is moving forward because Canadians are Canadian. At a time when democratic values are declining globally, he added, Canada stands out as a model. While Canada cannot solve all global problems, it can show that another path is possible.
Tariffs, Trade Pressure, and Annexation Talk
During his campaign, Carney had presented himself as capable of dealing with Trump. However, after he became prime minister, the US increased tariffs on Canadian goods to as high as 35 percent. In October 2025, Trump paused talks and threatened an additional 10 percent tariff. Trump has also openly spoken about merging Canada into the United States as its 51st state, an idea Carney has strongly rejected.
Even during his first official meeting with Trump, Carney clearly stated that Canada is not for sale. Trump, however, showed no sign of accepting that position.
Macron Echoes Concerns at Davos
At Davos, French President Emmanuel Macron also said that international laws are being openly trampled. He said it appears that only the law of the strongest now matters, and that imperial ambitions are once again rising.
Macron pointed to Russia’s war against Ukraine — which will enter its fourth year next month — as a clear example. He also noted that conflicts continue across several parts of the Middle East and Africa.
Experts and Global Voices React
Mark Carney’s speech has been widely praised on social media. The Economist magazine’s Wall Street editor, Mike Bird, described the speech as a rare exception.
Political speechmaking has generally degraded to the point that there's no reason to read them, rather than simply how they're reported, but Carney's Davos speech is a rare exception.
— Mike Bird (@Birdyword) January 20, 2026
"The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy." pic.twitter.com/KNQ4BslkvN
Dutch historian and author Rutger Bregman shared clips from Carney’s speech and wrote that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s address was extremely powerful, exceptional, and completely candid.
Riveting, extraordinary and brutally honest speech by Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister. God, I wish we would have European leaders like this.
— Rutger Bregman (@rcbregman) January 20, 2026
Here's an excerpt:
In 1978, the Czech dissident Václav Havel, later president, wrote an essay called “The Power of the Powerless,”…
Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai also praised the speech.
The speech that has taken Davos by storm: Mark Carney, the Canadian PM, is the talk of this town. Moral: those who stand up to bullies are respected, not those who grovel before power. https://t.co/s2wBq9BwUa #Davos26
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 21, 2026
Beyond public response, the speech also drew reaction from China. China’s state-run media outlet Global Times shared a clip of Mark Carney’s speech on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday delivered a closely watched speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, warning that the world is “in the midst of a rupture” of the international order and urging middle powers to be both principled and pragmatic.… pic.twitter.com/i3m3kYqIza
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 21, 2026
Deepak Singh
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Key Questions About Carney’s Davos Speech
What was the main message of Mark Carney’s Davos speech?
Mark Carney said the rules-based international order is breaking down and that middle-power countries like Canada can no longer rely on it, calling for cooperation in an era of growing great-power rivalry.
Why did Carney say middle-power countries are at a disadvantage?
He said great powers can act alone because of their market size and military strength, while middle powers negotiate from a weaker position and often must accept the terms set by stronger nations.
How did Donald Trump respond to Carney’s speech?
Donald Trump accused Canada of being ungrateful toward the United States, claimed Canada benefits heavily from America, and criticised Carney’s remarks at the Davos forum.
What role did tariffs and trade tensions play in the dispute?
After Carney became prime minister, the US raised tariffs on Canadian goods, with further tariff threats and paused trade talks adding to tensions between the two countries.
How did global leaders and experts react to Carney’s speech?
The speech was widely praised by journalists, historians, and commentators, drew attention from China’s state media, and echoed concerns voiced by leaders such as France’s President Emmanuel Macron.
