In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s intent to acquire Greenland and his renewed interest in annexing Canada, leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos have emphasized the importance of unity among middle powers to counteract pressures from great powers. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that building “bridges and more cooperation” with emerging countries, including the BRICs and G20, is essential to address the “instability and imbalances” in the world. He warned that a fragmented world would be nonsensical, highlighting the need for collective action.
India is part of both the BRICS and G20 groups. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the necessity for middle powers to collaborate, expressing that those not involved in negotiations risk becoming sidelined, as they are “on the menu.” He noted that unlike middle powers, great powers can afford to act unilaterally. With a sense of fatalism, he remarked on the “breaking of the world order,” signaling the end of a time when geopolitics was restrained by convention.
Although not naming Trump or the U.S., Carney insisted, “Let me be direct: We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” Trump has proposed imposing a 10 percent tariff on France and seven other nations that support Denmark’s claim to Greenland, escalating to 25 percent by June. He has also suggested the possibility of military action regarding Greenland.
European Union President Ursula Von der Leyen cautioned that such actions could lead to a “dangerous downward spiral,” ultimately benefiting adversaries. U.S. officials at Davos sought to reassure European counterparts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called for calm and likened the latest tariff threats to previous tariffs introduced by Trump to set the stage for negotiations. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that the tariff threat might be a negotiation tactic, while also insisting that Trump is “very clear on what he expects.”
Macron criticized the U.S. for attempting to “weaken and subordinate Europe” through tariffs, indicating that the rules-based order is diminishing. He also highlighted the threat from China, which poses challenges through its “massive excess capacities and distortive practices.” He cautioned that “trade wars, protectionist escalation, races towards overproduction will only produce losers,” referencing the geopolitical implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
To combat these threats, Macron advocates for enhanced cooperation. Addressing Trump’s Greenland proposal, he reaffirmed France and Europe’s commitment to national sovereignty, independence, and adherence to the United Nations charter. Drawing on the cooperative spirit of World War II, he asserted the need for collaboration, stating, “We have decided to join a mutual exercise in Greenland without threatening anyone, but just supporting an ally and another European country, Denmark.”
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/france-canada-call-for-solidarity-among-middle-powers-to-counter-great-powers-threat
Category: International News
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Publish Date: 2026-01-22 12:09:00
