Canada Ditches Old Order: Mark Carney Promises Pragmatic Multilateral Approach Amid Global Shift
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared the end of the current world order, calling it a 'rupture' in the rules-based system. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney outlined a new approach for Canada, one that is 'principled and pragmatic' and multilateral in nature. This shift is part of Canada's efforts to rapidly diversify abroad and negotiate free trade deals with countries like India, ASEAN, Thailand, and the Philippines. Carney's speech was seen as a critique of the current international system, where the strongest countries often exempt themselves from trade rules and enforce them asymmetrically. He noted that the idea of a rules-based order was 'partially false,' as it was often applied differently depending on the identity of the accused or victim. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that middle powers like Canada are not powerless and can build a new order that reflects their values. He proposed a 'values-based realism' approach, which involves engaging with other countries in a pragmatic manner, recognizing that progress is often incremental and interests diverge. Carney announced that Canada is actively diversifying abroad and negotiating free trade agreements with various countries. He also highlighted the importance of 'variable geometry,' where different coalitions are formed for different issues based on common values and interests. The Canadian Prime Minister's new approach is not naive multilateralism, but rather building coalitions that work on specific issues with partners who share common ground. He emphasized that middle powers have a choice to either compete with each other for favor or combine to create a third path with impact. As part of this new approach, Carney has negotiated a new strategic partnership with China and plans to visit India after the budget is presented in New Delhi to take the renewed bilateral relationship forward.
