‘A world without rules’: Canadian and French leaders issue stark warning at WEF Davos
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canada’s Mark Carney and France’s Emmanuel Macron caution that global norms are weakening amid great power rivalry
Canada, Jan 21 : Leaders from Canada and France delivered stark warnings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying the post‑World War II rules based global order is weakening and pointing to signs of a shift toward “a world without rules.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a widely noted address that the longstanding international system of governance, led by the United States, is undergoing a “rupture” rather than a smooth transition, amid intensifying competition among great powers. Carney, who spoke to global leaders ahead of remarks by US President Donald Trump, said the era of predictable global norms and collective security appears to be fading. He urged middle powers to work together and build new frameworks that reflect shared values and resilience.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed those concerns, saying global law is increasingly being “trampled underfoot” and that in some parts of the world, the only rule that seems to matter is that of the strongest. Macron cited ongoing conflicts and economic pressures, calling for stronger multilateral cooperation and European sovereignty to uphold international norms.
Their remarks reflect growing anxiety among Western leaders about geopolitical tensions, including trade conflicts and territorial disputes, and underscore calls for renewed commitment to international law and collective governance.
