At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mark Carney, then Prime Minister of Canada, delivered a stark assessment of the global landscape, proclaiming that “the old order is not coming back” and “nostalgia is not a strategy.” Carney, known for his advocacy of international cooperation, stated bluntly that “the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must,” reflecting a world of fractured international norms where “compliance will not buy safety.” He warned that “great powers,” implicitly referring to the United States, were increasingly weaponizing economic integration through tariffs, financial coercion, and exploited supply chain vulnerabilities. Carney emphasized that middle powers like Canada must adapt, not by building higher walls, but by forming diverse coalitions based on shared values and interests, a strategy he termed “variable geometry,” as “if you are not at the table, you are on the menu.”

This new reality was starkly underscored by President Donald Trump’s controversial focus on acquiring Greenland for US national security, a topic that dominated discussions at Davos. Trump threatened to impose significant tariffs—ranging from 10% to 25%—on various European nations, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom, should they oppose his demand for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.” He asserted the US’s historical claim, stating, “After the war we gave Greenland back. How stupid were we to do that?” While ruling out military force, Trump insisted on “full ownership” for defense, declaring, “You can’t defend it on a lease.”

The President’s aggressive stance sparked a diplomatic crisis and widespread condemnation from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the “useless aggressivity” and warned against “new imperialism,” while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen promised an “unflinching” response from the 27-nation bloc. In response to Trump’s tariff threats, European lawmakers froze the EU-US trade deal struck the previous summer, postponing a crucial vote and signaling a collective pushback against what many viewed as blackmail. Chancellor Rachel Reeves of the UK announced efforts to build a coalition of countries to advocate for free trade.

Adding to transatlantic tensions, Trump also controversially reversed his administration’s previous support for the UK’s plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing a lease for the vital Diego Garcia military base. Trump explicitly linked this reversal to his Greenland ambition, calling the UK’s action an “act of GREAT STUPIDITY” and another “National Security reason why Greenland has to be acquired.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vehemently pushed back, accusing Trump of attempting to pressure Britain on its principles regarding Greenland’s future and asserting that Greenland’s future is “for Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly expressed anger, stating, “Our partner in the UK is letting us down with the base on Diego Garcia.”

Domestically, Trump’s policies drew significant criticism within the United States. Many Americans expressed concern that the administration’s “saber-rattling” and “incoherent, erratic economic policies” were undermining national security, damaging alliances, and eroding the country’s diplomatic influence. Critics argued that the obsession with owning Greenland, despite existing treaty access for military bases, was “absurd” and served only to drive a wedge between the US and its most solid allies, potentially pushing countries like Canada to seek closer ties with nations like China. Concerns were raised about Trump systematically eroding NATO, seeking “blind expansionism,” and abusing presidential power regarding tariffs, with calls for Congress to intervene. Former UN ambassador Bob Rae noted that superpowers like Russia and the US were “taking the law into their own hands,” challenging the very institutions they were meant to uphold.

The unfolding events at Davos painted a clear picture of a global order in flux. While Trump championed his role in saving NATO and resolving international conflicts, his confrontational approach to trade and alliances, particularly concerning Greenland and the Chagos Islands, highlighted the challenges for nations navigating a world where traditional norms are increasingly being abandoned. Both Mark Carney’s strategic warnings for middle powers and the widespread international pushback against Trump’s assertive foreign policy demonstrated a growing imperative for countries to reconsider their diplomatic and economic strategies in an unpredictable new era.