Canada and Carney frame the end of the old order as a new beginning

At Davos, Prime Minister Carney said the post‑war 'rules‑based international order' has become a system of great‑power rivalry and urged middle powers to respond; commentators say the speech signals a shift in Canadian foreign policy while raising questions about how Canada will balance international commitments with domestic priorities.

Prime Minister Carney used a Davos speech to argue that the familiar "rules‑based international order" no longer functions as advertised and to call on middle powers to acknowledge rising great‑power rivalry. The phrase had gained currency in Canadian politics since 2017 as shorthand for post‑war multilateral institutions backed by American power. Carney urged middle powers to "live" that truth and to reduce vulnerabilities that limit principled stands. He also addressed domestic values, saying Canada must be "a beacon" while facing internal political debate. Main points: - Carney told Davos delegates to stop invoking the "rules‑based international order" as though it still functions, calling it instead a system of intensifying great‑power rivalry. - Commentators and a pollster quoted in the article said the speech signalled a notable break in Canadian foreign‑policy rhetoric and offered reassurance to some Canadians who see global change. - Scholars cited include Adam Chapnick, who said Canada's ability to rally others depends on how much "skin in the game" it shows, and Asa McKercher, who noted increased military spending alongside budget pressures at Global Affairs Canada. - The article reports that a recent U.S.‑Denmark arrangement on Greenland removed one question about deploying Canadian forces, while remarks by the U.S. president and other U.S. officials prompted Canadian ministers to respond or dismiss those comments. - On the domestic front, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre publicly criticised Carney on economic and pipeline issues, framing domestic performance as central to Canada's capacity to respond internationally. Summary: Carney's Davos speech highlights a shift in tone by naming a changing international environment and urging coordinated responses from non‑hegemonic states. Observers will measure words against policy choices on defence, diplomacy and domestic priorities, and Canadian officials are likely to face more moments requiring public responses. Undetermined at this time.