The world order has undergone a significant shift, one that marks the end of a pleasant fiction and the beginning of a harsh reality. The rules-based international order, once a cornerstone of global cooperation, is now under threat from great power rivalry. However, it's essential to recognize that this doesn't mean the powerful have all the power – the middle powers, in fact, have a unique opportunity to shape the future.
The key to this new reality lies in honesty and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It's time for countries like Canada to stop pretending that the old order still functions as advertised. Instead, they should acknowledge reality and act consistently, applying the same standards to allies and rivals alike.
This requires building what we claim to believe in, rather than waiting for the old order to be restored. It means creating institutions and agreements that function as described and reducing the leverage that enables coercion – a strong domestic economy is essential. Diversification internationally is also crucial, not just for economic prudence but for honest foreign policy.
Canada has what the world wants: an energy superpower, vast reserves of critical minerals, a highly educated population, and significant fiscal capacity to act decisively. We are a pluralistic society that works, with a public square that is loud, diverse, and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability and value relationships for the long term.
The rupture in the world order calls for more than adaptation; it demands honesty about the world as it is. By recognizing this reality and taking action accordingly, 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 but most to gain from genuine cooperation.
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 to act together. Canada chooses this path openly and confidently, and it's a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us.
The key to this new reality lies in honesty and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It's time for countries like Canada to stop pretending that the old order still functions as advertised. Instead, they should acknowledge reality and act consistently, applying the same standards to allies and rivals alike.
This requires building what we claim to believe in, rather than waiting for the old order to be restored. It means creating institutions and agreements that function as described and reducing the leverage that enables coercion – a strong domestic economy is essential. Diversification internationally is also crucial, not just for economic prudence but for honest foreign policy.
Canada has what the world wants: an energy superpower, vast reserves of critical minerals, a highly educated population, and significant fiscal capacity to act decisively. We are a pluralistic society that works, with a public square that is loud, diverse, and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability and value relationships for the long term.
The rupture in the world order calls for more than adaptation; it demands honesty about the world as it is. By recognizing this reality and taking action accordingly, 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 but most to gain from genuine cooperation.
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 to act together. Canada chooses this path openly and confidently, and it's a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us.
. If everyone is just going to pretend the old system still works then we're never gonna make progress on anything. We need countries like Canada to step up and show that even though it's not all sunshine and rainbows, we can still build something better together 
. It's all about building institutions that work honestly 
, being willing to challenge the status quo and having a strong economy to back it up 
. We should be focusing on creating relationships for the long term, not just trying to maintain old alliances 
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i mean, i thought we were still using those old fossil fuels? how does that work? 
btw, have u seen that new youtube video of a cat playing piano? 
think its time 4 canada 2 stop prettyn' up 2 others & just be real for once 
we got an energy superpower, critcal minerals, & a public that's all about diversity & inclusivity - lets use dat to build somethin new & better instead of clinging 2 old ways 
and btw, who says middle powers r the only ones with the power 2 make a diff? 
I mean, I remember when Trudeau was still a young guy in politics... didn't think he'd be talking about changing the game like that! 
Anyway, it's true what the article says - Canada has got some serious leverage with our energy and mineral resources. We should totally diversify and not rely on just one thing to get us through tough times. And I'm all for a strong domestic economy too... but we can't forget about being good global citizens at the same time! 
. The way they're talking about being an energy superpower and diversifying their economy is so on point 
. But what i love most about this is canada's commitment to sustainability - it's like they're saying "hey world, we get it, climate change is a thing 
. And i'm loving the part about building institutions and agreements that actually work - no more pretending like everything is okay when it's not 
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. let's see what kind of cool stuff they come up with 
. The powers that be are just trying to get rid of the old rules so they can impose their will on everyone else. It's all about control and manipulation, if you ask me 
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. They're just trying to get us to sign on the dotted line without really understanding what's going on. Canada's got an energy superpower, but are we using it for good or are we gonna sell out? 
. We need to be vigilant and make sure our country isn't being used as a pawn in someone else's game 
. I mean, Canada's got a lot of resources and stuff, but let's be real, we're still a small country trying to play with the big kids 
. And as for "acting together", please, it's every country for themselves in this world. The powerful have their power, yeah, but what about when they start using it against us? 
! And can you say "yessss" to a more sustainable future with countries like Canada taking the lead? 
? That's why I think Canada needs to be more proactive about building our own institutions and agreements – not just waiting for the world to come around to our way of thinking 
. We need to show the world what we're capable of, and that includes being honest with ourselves and others 
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But seriously, diversification internationally makes sense not just for economic reasons but also for honest foreign policy. We can't keep pretending to be friends with everyone while secretly having our own interests at heart.
. Let's build something bigger, better, stronger, and more just - but only if we're willing to get real about the world as it is 
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. We can't just sit back & adapt to the old order - we gotta lead the way & create somethin new 
. Canadians are actually pretty lucky with our natural resources and whatnot, but its time to stop waiting for others to make things happen and start building our own strength at home 
, then im all for it 
. We've got some serious economic clout with our energy resources and mineral reserves, so let's use that to our advantage 
. So yeah, Canada can do better than just adapting to the status quo - we can create our own way forward