Friday, January 23, 2026-At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a striking address declaring that the long-standing global system of international cooperation and the “rules-based order” that followed World War II is effectively over and must be replaced with a new approach.
Carney argued that the traditional framework, once underpinned by predictable alliances and shared norms, has fractured under growing geopolitical tensions and economic coercion by powerful states. He urged middle powers like Canada to unite, assert strategic autonomy, and build a new cooperative order independent of reliance on past structures.
Carney’s remarks described by political analysts as signaling a rupture in the global order rather than a gradual transition highlight deepening strains with major powers, including the United States. While he did not name specific nations, his comments were widely interpreted as a response to recent U.S. policy moves that have unsettled longtime allies.
Observers note that Carney’s call for smaller and mid-sized democracies to act together reflects growing unease about the stability of multilateral institutions and the uneven application of international norms in today’s geopolitics.
The speech, which received a strong reaction at Davos, underscores Canada’s intention to shift toward diversified global partnerships and collective resilience, suggesting a future in which Ottawa and like-minded nations play a more assertive role in shaping rules for trade, security, and cooperation. By framing this moment as the “end of the old world order,” Carney has ignited debate among global leaders about how countries should navigate a more competitive and unpredictable international landscape.
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