Carney declared that the postwar rules-based global order has collapsed, warning that economic integration is now being used as a weapon by powerful states. Still, he insisted that “middle powers are not powerless” and called for strategic alliances among them.
“Appeasement is always a sign of weakness,” he said. “When you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
Canadian media described the remarks as the most significant foreign policy address since 1947. CBC commentator Peter Boehm, a former diplomat, called it the most important speech by a Canadian leader since Louis St. Laurent laid out postwar foreign policy doctrine.
French-language broadcaster Radio-Canada labeled it “the end of innocence,” noting that although Carney had initially planned to promote investment in Canada, he used his time in Davos to unveil what is now being called the “Carney Doctrine.”
“The old world is gone,” read a headline in the Toronto Star, which called the speech “a manifesto of free people.” CTV described it as “without a doubt” Carney’s most significant speech to date.
The Globe and Mail noted that while Carney never named U.S. President Donald Trump, he clearly blamed him for what he described as the breakdown of global cooperation. La Presse headlined its commentary “Requiem for Pax Americana.”
Conservative outlets offered sharp criticism. The National Post accused Carney of practicing “realpolitik” and warned of potential backlash from Washington, particularly over China. The Toronto Sun called the speech “terrible.”
On social media, users pointed to the U.S.-linked Chatham Asset Management’s ownership of Postmedia, which controls many Canadian local newspapers. A petition is circulating to require majority Canadian ownership in national media.
(jh)
Source: PAP