At the (somewhat controversial) World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a critical address to global leaders on a day when US President Donald Trump renewed his threats to Greenland’s sovereignty – and our nation’s sovereignty. The speech was forceful, consequential, and potentially generational, saying the quiet parts we’ve been discussing in class very loudly and clearly for all to hear. Let’s dig into the speech and what it means for you.
Speech Summary
The prime minister argued that global politics has forever changed. He made the case that the traditional ‘rules-based international order’ – where countries follow shared rules and laws – has been broken by powerful countries, like America, and that this poses a threat to middle powers like Canada.
Carney explained that powerful countries increasingly use trade, supply chains, energy, finance, and technology to bully sovereign nations, rather than working fairly with other countries.
Profoundly, the prime minister focused on Cold War democracy advocate and former president of Czechia Václav Havel’s idea of “living within a lie” – how countries often pretend the system is fair even when it isn’t because going along feels safer than speaking out.
Prime Minister Carney stated that this approach of going along to get along is no longer sustainable. Instead of pretending the old system still works, countries must speak honestly about the moment we’re facing (naming nation-state aggressors, say, like America) and adapt.
Canada’s response, according to Carney, is something he calls ‘value-based realism.‘ This means:
- Staying committed to core values like democracy, sovereignty, sustainability, and human rights
- While also being realistic and pragmatic about how power works in today’s world
Carney says Canada must:
- Build strength at home (economy, energy, defence, infrastructure)
- Reduce dependence on any single powerful country
- Diversify trade and security partnerships globally
- Work with other middle powers to form flexible coalitions on shared issues (like climate, AI, security, and trade)
He warns that a world where every country builds ‘fortresses’ will be poorer and less stable. Instead, he believes middle powers can create a third path – not dominated by great powers – by acting together with honesty, consistency, and cooperation.
Ultimately, our prime minister argued that real sovereignty means having the ability to act independently without being coerced – and that pretending otherwise is only a performance, not true independence.
Key Ideas
- Great power rivalry: Competition between powerful countries (e.g., economic, military, technological)
- Middle powers: Countries like Canada that are influential but not global superpowers
- Living within a lie: Going along with a system you know isn’t fair or working to avoid conflict
- Value-based realism: Balancing moral values with practical decision-making
- Strategic autonomy: Being able to meet key needs (food, energy, defence) without relying too heavily on others
Definitions
- Hedge Fund
- Rules-Based International Order
- Great Power
- Middle Power
- Great Power Rivalry
- Sovereignty
- Strategic Autonomy
- Value-Based Realism
- Hegemon / Hegemony
- Performing Sovereignty
- Rupture (vs. Transition)
- Tariffs
- Supply Chains
- Critical Minerals
- Multilateral Institutions
- Plurilateral Cooperation
- Variable Geometry
- NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
- Article 5 (NATO)
- Diversification (in Trade & Diplomacy)
Discussion & Analysis Questions
Understanding the Message
- What does Prime Minister Carney mean when he says global politics is ‘ruptured’ or has been altered, possibly permanently?
- Why did he argue in his speech that the rules-based international order no longer works?
- How does the story of the shopkeeper from Václav Havel’s democratic advocacy help explain global politics today and Canada’s current stance?
Critical Thinking
- What does Carney mean by ‘performing sovereignty’ versus real sovereignty?
- Why might pretending everything is fine in global politics be dangerous?
- Do you think speaking truth to power in this moment is the right decision for middle powers like Canada? Why or why not?
Canada’s Role
- Why does Carney believe Canada is well-positioned in today’s world?
- How does building strength at home (energy, trade, defence) affect Canada’s ability to act on its values?
- Why is diversification (not relying on one country) so important for Canada?
Global Cooperation
- What are the advantages of middle powers working together instead of negotiating alone with superpowers?
- What are the risks of a ‘world of fortresses,’ according to the speech?
- How does this speech challenge the idea that globalization is always positive?
Reflection
- Can you think of examples (historical or current) where countries ‘lived within a lie’?
- How might these ideas apply to issues like biodiversity, climate change, technology, or supply chains and economic productivity?
- Do you agree that values still matter in global politics, even when power seems to dominate? Why?
Extensions
- Debate: Middle powers should prioritize values over economic interests.
- Creative writing: Rewrite the shopkeeper story using a modern global example.
- Mapping activity: Identify Canada’s key trade and security partners (present or potential) mentioned or implied in the speech.
- Compare: Link this speech to another leader’s perspective.
Dive Deeper into our Canada at a Crossroads Series
Connecting class lessons to the real world.
How can Canada protect its economy and sovereignty – and strengthen our democracy – while also addressing the other major challenges of our time?
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