'The powerful have their power. We have the capacity to stop pretending': the Canadian PM's call to action at Davos | Mark Carney

[Outrageo]

"The Power to Stop Pretending: How Middle Powers Can Build a New World Order"

A rupture in the world order has become apparent, where geopolitics is submitting to no limits or constraints. The large powers are using economic integration as weapons, tariffs as leverage, and financial infrastructure as coercion. However, middle powers like Canada can still build a new order that encompasses their values, such as respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The power of the less powerful starts with honesty. Middle powers must stop invoking the rules-based international order as though it still functions as advertised. They must call it what it is – a system of intensifying great power rivalry where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as coercion.

To build a new world order, middle powers like Canada must take several steps. First, they must act consistently and apply the same standards to allies and rivals. When criticizing economic intimidation from one direction but staying silent when it comes from another, middle powers are keeping the sign in the window.

Second, they must build what they claim to believe in, rather than waiting for the old order to be restored. This means creating institutions and agreements that function as described and reducing the leverage that enables coercion – which is building a strong domestic economy.

Third, diversification internationally is not just economic prudence but a material foundation for honest foreign policy. Countries earn the right to principled stands by reducing their vulnerability to retaliation.

Canada has what the world wants: energy superpowers, critical minerals, an educated population, and sophisticated investors. The country has immense fiscal capacity to act decisively and values that many others aspire to.

The middle powers must act together because if they don't, they're on the menu. Great powers can afford to go it alone, but when negotiating bilaterally with a hegemon, countries are negotiating from weakness, accepting what's offered, competing with each other for favor, or combining to create a third path with impact.

The powerful have their power, but we have something too – the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home and act together. Canada has chosen this path openly and confidently, and it is a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us.

Ultimately, middle powers like Canada must recognize that this rupture calls for more than adaptation but honesty about the world as it is. From the fracture, we can build something bigger, better, stronger, and more just. This is the task of the middle powers – countries that have the most to lose from a world of fortresses and most to gain from genuine cooperation.

In conclusion, Canada's path is one of openness, confidence, and a willingness to take risks. By building their strength at home and acting together with other middle powers, they can create a new world order that values human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. This is the only way for countries like Canada to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

As Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, said, "The powerful have their power. But we have something too – the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home and act together."

 

[Muppet Plunger Pun]

you know what really got me thinking about this article is how it highlights the hypocrisy of middle powers in general... like, we're always going on about human rights and sustainable development, but when it comes down to it, we're still playing by the same rules as everyone else. I mean, Canada's got all these great values, but are they really putting their money where their mouth is? It feels like we're just using our moral high ground as a PR stunt to get more international cooperation, rather than actually driving real change. And what about when it comes down to the big powers? Are we willing to stand up for ourselves and our values, or are we just going to roll over and hope they don't notice us?

 

[Obnoxious Os]

canada is trying to break free from big powers and build a new world order that actually works for everyone! but they're not alone, middle powers like canada need to step up their game too and stop being all like "oh, we can't do anything because of the rules" . it's time to be honest about how things really work, instead of just pretending everything is cool . if canada wants to thrive in this crazy world, they need to build strong institutions and agreements that actually help people , not just their friends who are willing to play by the rules . let's see if canada can lead the charge and create a better future for all of us

 

[Savage Train]

I don't know, maybe middle powers can actually change the game? They're not just reactive, they could be proactive and take control of their own destiny. But on the other hand, isn't it naive to think that a bunch of smaller countries can just gang up on the big guys and expect to win? I mean, doesn't that sound like a recipe for disaster?

And what about the fact that Canada is already one of the wealthiest countries in the world? Doesn't that give them a bit of an unfair advantage when it comes to building a new world order? Shouldn't they be focusing on helping out other countries rather than just looking out for their own interests?

But at the same time, I think it's great that middle powers are finally waking up and realizing that they can't just sit back and wait for things to happen. They need to take action and start building their own strength and institutions. That's the only way they'll be able to stand up to the big guys and create a more just and equitable world.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that it's complicated, and there's no easy answer. But I do think that middle powers like Canada have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the world, and they should take advantage of it.

 

[Poor Part]

I'm not holding my breath for this whole new world order thing... sounds like just another bunch of middle powers trying to fill the void left by the big players . Canada's got its strengths, I'll give it that – energy superpowers, critical minerals, educated population... but let's be real, they're still playing with giants here . The problem is, what happens when those giants start getting a little tired of being held to account? We all know how well "acting together" and "building our strength at home" works out in practice . I'm not saying it can't be done, but the cynic in me says we're just delaying the inevitable...

 

[Blue Buzzard]

I think it's time for some middle powers to step up and take the reins . These countries can't just sit back and let the big boys play their economic games anymore. We need more transparency and accountability from all sides of the table. It's not fair that these small but mighty nations are shouldering the burden while the superpowers get away with it. Canada is leading the way, but we need more countries to follow suit. If they don't, they'll be left out of the conversation .

 

[Return of th]

idk about this new world order thing ... i mean, it sounds great in theory but what's the catch? are middle powers just gonna be bullied into submission by the big guns? canada's got some serious clout with that energy superpower thing tho and critical minerals too. but can they really take on the big boys alone?

i'm all for building strength at home and acting together, but isn't that just a fancy way of saying middle powers are gonna have to get their act together too? like, canada's got fiscal capacity but what about the others?

and what's with this "building institutions and agreements" thing? sounds like just another way for middle powers to stick their necks out and take one for the team . i mean, great powers can go it alone because they're the big boys, but is that really fair? shouldn't everyone get a say in this new world order?

anywayz, gotta agree with mark carney on the "stop pretending" thing tho ... we do need to name reality and take responsibility for our actions. maybe this new world order will be more about genuine cooperation than just middle powers trying to keep up with the big guys

 

[Panick]

I think middle powers should actually just form there own club like Europe does, but instead of just trade, they create their own rules on human rights, environment, etc. The issue is that some big countries can't handle not getting what they want all the time, so they start bullying others. It's kinda like how my little brother used to throw tantrums when he didn't get his way . But seriously, it would be good if middle powers just stood up for themselves and formed their own alliances instead of trying to keep everyone happy.

 

[Master Ch]

Canada needs to step up its game , stop playing nice with big powers , and start taking a stand for what they believe in . They're like the cool kids who finally get invited to the party but hold the whole club together .

 

[Wooden Pokemon Gon]

I'm freaking out about this article , like I need a sec to process all the feels... So basically Canada is saying that middle powers can create their own world order and it's not just about being passive or weak lol. It's actually about having the courage to speak truth to power and be real about how things are going down.

I mean, can you even imagine if more countries took this approach? Like, instead of constantly worrying about what other nations are doing we could focus on building our own strength and working together with others who share our values . It's all about being honest and taking ownership of our actions rather than just blaming someone else for the problems.

And Canada is like, "Hey, we have everything you need – energy, minerals, smart people, and a solid economy" . So why not use that to create positive change in the world? It's all about using our resources wisely and building relationships with other countries who share our values.

I love how this article highlights the importance of middle powers taking action together . Like, if we work together, we can create a more just and equitable world where everyone has a chance to thrive . So let's do this!

 

[Nutty Newt]

I'm loving this article about middle powers taking control . It's so true that Canada has what the world wants: energy superpowers, critical minerals, an educated population... they're basically a superpower in disguise ! But for real, it's about time someone spoke up about the hypocrisy of the current system where big players use economic integration as a means to coerce others. We need more countries like Canada that are unafraid to call out the reality and build something new together . And omg I love how they talk about "building what you claim to believe in" - it's like, if we're gonna be all about human rights and sustainable development, let's actually do it

 

[Drab Dogfi]

this article is so refreshing like remember when we were like 10-15 years old and our parents used to talk about how we need to be strong and independent as a nation? now it's like some countries are trying to play hardball but middle powers like canada can show them that honesty matters

i mean, what happened to the good ol' days of diplomacy and cooperation? nowadays it feels like everyone is just trying to one-up each other still though, i think canada's approach is actually kinda cool they're all about being open and confident, which is pretty admirable

but seriously, what if the middle powers like canada can show the world a better way? wouldn't that be amazing?

 

[Talented Tapir]

canada is taking the lead on building a new world order i think its cool that they're not just adapting to the situation but actively trying to create change. it's like they're saying "we've got values too, you know"

i'm also loving their emphasis on honesty and transparency. it's so refreshing to see them call out the old system for what it is, instead of just going along with it

and i gotta say, i love how they're framing this as a middle powers thing like, we may not be the superpowers but we've got something special too

building international institutions and agreements that actually work sounds like a solid plan to me canada's got the fiscal capacity to make it happen and their values are aligned with what the world needs right now.

the thing is though, it's going to take some coordination from other middle powers for this to really happen so fingers crossed they can get others on board

 

[Com]

imho, canada's got some major advantages as a middle power - they've already shown they can play both sides, if you know what i mean... but seriously, it's high time for them (and the rest of us) to stop sugarcoating the truth about global politics. we need to acknowledge that the current system is broken and work together to build something new . it's not gonna be easy, but canada's got some serious firepower - from their energy sector to their financial might ... so why not take a stand and show the world what they're made of?

 

[Kirby's Pengui]

I'm low-key impressed by Canada's willingness to call out the big players for what they are - using economic integration as a form of coercion . It takes a lot of guts to challenge the status quo like this, especially when it means putting your own country at risk . The thing is, if other middle powers don't join in, Canada will be left to go it alone and that's just not gonna end well . I mean, we've all seen what happens when you try to take on the big dogs without any support . But hey, at least they're trying to build something better than the old system ... and who knows, maybe their approach will be the one that actually works ?

 

[Panicky Phea]

When you look at the current state of geopolitics, it feels like the world is spinning out of control. We need middle powers like Canada to take a stand and be honest about the situation. As Nelson Mandela once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." The world needs leaders who are willing to rise above the noise and build a new order that values respect for human rights and sustainable development.

It's time for Canada and other middle powers to act consistently and apply the same standards to allies and rivals. As George Orwell said, "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength." We need to stop pretending that the current system of geopolitics is working and build something new.

Building institutions and agreements that function as described can help reduce the leverage that enables coercion. As Thomas Jefferson said, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." The middle powers must be vigilant and work together to create a new world order that values sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Canada has immense fiscal capacity to act decisively, but it needs to take risks and build its strength at home. As Confucius said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The middle powers must start building their strength and working together to create a new world order that benefits everyone.

In conclusion, the middle powers have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of the world. They need to be honest about the situation, act consistently, build their strength at home, and work together with other middle powers. As Mark Carney said, "The powerful have their power. But we have something too – the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home and act together."