Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Issues Bold Warning at Davos: 'If We Are Not at the Table, We Are on the Menu'

On January 22, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a landmark address at the World Economic Forum in Davos that signaled a definitive turning point in international relations. Speaking on what was widely recognized as the second day of the forum—despite some conflicting reports citing January 20 or 21—Carney’s fifteen-minute speech broke through the typically reserved atmosphere of the event. His remarks culminated in a rare standing ovation from the assembled global leaders and delegates, a testament to the gravity of his message.

The central theme of Carney’s address was the concept of a "rupture" in the global order. He argued that the international community is not merely experiencing a temporary correction or a gradual transition, but a fundamental break from the past. The previous era, defined by a rules-based system and deep economic integration for mutual benefit, has effectively ceased to function as it once did, leaving a vacuum that requires a new strategic approach.

Addressing the sentiment of many who hope for a return to previous norms, Carney was blunt in his assessment. "The old order will not return," he declared to the forum. He cautioned leaders against the dangers of looking backward, stating firmly that "nostalgia is not a strategy." This sentiment underscored his call for a forward-looking foreign policy that acknowledges the permanent nature of the current global shifts.

A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s speech was dedicated to the "weaponization" of the global economy. Carney highlighted how great powers have begun to use trade and finance as tools of coercion rather than cooperation. He noted that tariffs are now frequently used as political levers, and financial infrastructures are being transformed into instruments of pressure. This trend has reached a critical mass, with Carney pointing out that these practices now affect more than 30% of all global trade.

In this fragmented landscape, Carney identified a specific group of nations—the "middle powers"—as being at the greatest risk. This group, which includes countries such as Canada, Australia, France, South Korea, and Japan, faces a unique set of challenges. According to Carney, these nations have the most to lose from the erosion of international rules, yet they also possess the greatest potential to thrive if they can successfully navigate the new reality through collective action.

The most resonant moment of the speech came when Carney issued a direct call to action for these middle powers. He warned that individual nations attempting to negotiate from a position of isolation would inevitably find themselves at a disadvantage. "Middle powers must act together," Carney urged the audience, "because if we are not at the table, then we are on the menu." This vivid metaphor highlighted the necessity of forming strong, values-based coalitions to counter the influence of larger hegemons.

Carney argued that instead of competing for the favor of superpowers or engaging in bilateral negotiations from a position of weakness, middle powers should focus on building their own internal and collective resilience. By forming strategic alliances, these nations can protect their interests and ensure that their voices are heard in the shaping of new global standards. This approach moves away from bilateral dependency and toward a more robust, multilateral framework of cooperation among peers.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that the legitimacy of international rules remains a potent force, provided those rules are defended collectively. He called for a renewed commitment to core values, including respect for human rights, sustainable development, and the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. These principles, he argued, must form the bedrock of any new international arrangement to ensure long-term stability and solidarity.

Carney warned that the alternative to this collective resilience is a "world of fortresses," characterized by isolationism and protectionism. Such a world would be significantly poorer, more fragile, and less capable of addressing global challenges like climate change or economic instability. He stressed that solidarity is not just a moral choice, but a practical necessity for survival in a fractured geopolitical environment where supply chains are increasingly used as vulnerabilities to be exploited.

In his concluding remarks, Carney reiterated that the strength of middle powers lies in their unity and their adherence to shared principles. By working together to uphold the integrity of the international system, these nations can prevent the world from sliding into a state of perpetual conflict and exploitation. The standing ovation that followed his speech suggested that his vision for a proactive, collaborative middle-power strategy had found a receptive audience among the world's most influential thinkers at Davos.