Manila: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for unity among "intermediate powers," including his own nation, in a speech delivered at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Carney warned of "a rupture in the world order" and "the end of a pleasant fiction," indicating that the world had entered "a harsh reality" where major powers act with few limits. He emphasized that countries outside the largest powers have a meaningful role to play.
According to Philippines News Agency, Carney is widely viewed as advocating the reconstruction of global governance based on multilateralism and respect for rules. In recent years, major powers like the United States and China have intensified their struggle for influence, weaponizing military strength and economic instruments such as tariffs and export controls. International institutions, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, have become increasingly dysfunctional, putting the rules-based international order at risk.
The world today faces numerous global challenges that no country can resolve alone, including climate change, pandemics, and terrorism. Yet the Trump administration has pursued an isolationist course, withdrawing from international agreements and organizations. Kazuhiro Maeshima, a professor at Sophia University in Tokyo, stated that global governance is being severely shaken and identified the "my country first" approach as a defining feature of the current era.
Japanese government officials have also expressed concern about global governance. Ryo Nakamura, director-general at the Foreign Ministry, highlighted that the framework for international cooperation has not evolved with global transformations. He emphasized Japan's commitment to multilateralism and the importance of creating an environment where countries can coexist peacefully.
Under these circumstances, Japan is seen as having a significant role in strengthening global governance. Maeshima noted Japan's unique position as an ally of the United States while also collaborating with Europe and Asia. Japan's contribution to Britain's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership is one example of its active role.
Celine Pajon of the French Institute of International Relations also expressed high hopes for Japan's role. She highlighted Japan's consistent defense of multilateralism and its efforts to sustain dialogue between the U.S. and European partners. Responding to these expectations, Nakamura stated that Japan wants to connect countries in multilateral relations.
The annual G7 summit concluded with statements on various themes but limited attention to global governance issues. France, as this year's G7 chair, made efforts to keep Trump engaged, but Maeshima noted his continued weakening of the G7's role. However, Maeshima pointed to the unity demonstrated under President Joe Biden's administration as grounds for cautious optimism.
Nakamura remains optimistic, suggesting that global governance can be revived through dialogue and cooperation. He believes there is a broad consensus among countries to overcome international problems. "Multilateralism is not dead. There's still much we can do," he stated.
