Mark Carney Davos Speech January 20 2026 Urges Middle Powers to Unite

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at Davos on January 20, 2026, urging middle powers to work together. This is a call for countries to use their combined strength.
By Newsroom | World Politics, Canada |

A Call for United Action Among Middle Powers

Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, 2026, has sparked discussion about the changing global landscape and the role of middle powers. Carney addressed a forum of global leaders, presenting a view of a world where existing rules may no longer offer sufficient protection. His remarks emphasized the need for countries of similar standing to unite and leverage their collective strength, both in values and in tangible power. This address occurred shortly before Donald Trump also spoke at the event, with some analyses suggesting Carney's message offered a stark contrast to Trump's approach.

Context: A World in Flux

Carney's speech was delivered against a backdrop of perceived shifts in international relations, including rising great power rivalry and challenges to the established "rules-based order." The summary of his remarks indicates a clear articulation of this perspective:

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  • He stated, "We are calibrating our relationships so their depth reflects our values."

  • Carney also noted a shift in reliance from solely the "strength of our values" to also include "the value of our strength."

  • A central theme was the imperative for middle powers to collaborate, with the forceful assertion that "if we're not at the table, we're on the menu."

  • He highlighted that countries like Canada possess significant assets, such as "world’s largest and most sophisticated investors" in their pension funds.

  • The core message conveyed was that "When the rules no longer protect you, you must protect yourself."

Contrasting Approaches in Davos

While Carney presented his views, Donald Trump also addressed the forum. Several accounts suggest a difference in their styles and messages.

Carney's Davos speech did a 'service' by describing the world in 'stark' terms, ex-CIA director says - 1

"In standing up to the US president, Donald Trump, he appeared every inch the statesman. He was clear, unequivocal and unafraid of the bully below his southern border. While Carney was at pains to connect with his audience of allies, Trump exists happily in his own world where support – and sovereign territory – can be bought, and fealty trumps all." - The Conversation

This framing suggests Carney's speech aimed for engagement and collective action among allies, while Trump's approach was perceived as more transactional and self-focused.

The Strength of Middle Powers

Carney's address sought to counter any notion of powerlessness among middle-tier nations.

  • He asserted that countries like Canada "are not powerless."

  • The speech identified specific assets Canada holds, particularly its sophisticated and large pension funds, suggesting a tangible form of strength that can be leveraged.

  • This message appears to be a call for these nations to recognize and actively use their economic and diplomatic influence.

Expert and Analytical Reactions

Initial reactions to Carney's speech have varied, with some viewing it as a significant statement and others seeing it as part of an ongoing discourse.

Carney's Davos speech did a 'service' by describing the world in 'stark' terms, ex-CIA director says - 2

"I don’t see Carney’s speech as being a game-changer on this front." - Alicia Wanless, quoted in Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

This perspective suggests that while Carney's words were impactful, they may not represent a fundamental shift in strategy or perception for all observers. Other analyses, however, framed the speech as a direct and necessary response to current global realities. One summary referred to the speech as a "service" for describing the world in "stark terms."

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The core of Carney's message revolved around adapting to a world where traditional frameworks of international cooperation and security may be less reliable. The emphasis on "middle powers" suggests a recognition that neither small nations nor the largest global players can unilaterally dictate outcomes.

  • The call for unity implies a strategy to build collective influence.

  • The notion of protecting oneself when rules fail points to a more assertive stance.

  • This could be interpreted as a pivot towards pragmatic self-reliance, augmented by strategic alliances.

Conclusion and Implications

Mark Carney's speech at Davos in January 2026 presented a clear-eyed assessment of the global order, urging middle powers to act in concert. His message highlighted the necessity of combining diplomatic strength with material power in a world where established norms are being challenged. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, the speech serves as a significant articulation of a particular perspective on international relations, advocating for a more cohesive and self-assured approach from nations that are not superpowers but possess considerable influence. The contrasting reception of his address, from being called a "game-changer" by some to merely another speech by others, indicates the diverse interpretations of current global affairs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Mark Carney say in his Davos speech on January 20, 2026?
Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, 2026, urged middle powers to unite and use their collective strength. He said countries should rely on both the strength of their values and the value of their strength.
Q: Why did Mark Carney say middle powers need to unite?
Carney stated that the world's rules may not offer enough protection anymore. He stressed that if middle powers are not at the table, they will be left out of decisions, meaning they are 'on the menu'.
Q: What examples of strength did Mark Carney give for middle powers like Canada?
Carney highlighted that countries like Canada are not powerless. He specifically mentioned Canada's large and sophisticated pension funds as a tangible form of economic strength that can be leveraged.
Q: How did Mark Carney's speech contrast with Donald Trump's at Davos?
Some reports suggest Carney's speech was a clear and statesmanlike call for allies to connect, contrasting with Donald Trump's approach. Trump's message was seen by some as more focused on transactional deals.
Q: What is the main message about the changing world order from Carney's speech?
Carney's speech suggests that traditional international cooperation and security might be less reliable. The message calls for middle powers to be more assertive and work together to protect their interests when rules fail.