Introduction
In a world filled with misleading words and false comforts, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered one of the most profound and well-structured speeches in recent times. Drawing inspiration from Vaclav Havel and Tucídides, Carney spoke about the end of a comfortable illusion and the beginning of a harsh reality at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He addressed the rise of powerful nations unbound by limitations or restrictions, calling for intermediate powers to establish a new order centered around human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The New Reality and Carney’s Call
Carney emphasized that in this new reality, which is not a transition but a rupture, the strength of great powers no longer adheres to limits or restrictions. He urged intermediate powers to construct a new order prioritizing human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Mexican president Sheinbaum’s hesitant acknowledgment of Carney’s speech reveals Mexico’s submission to Trump and the hollowness of the 4T’s sovereignty claims.
Tucídides’ Wisdom
Citing Tucídides, a fifth-century B.C. Athenian historian and military strategist, Carney referenced a quote from “The History of the Peloponnesian War” to highlight a stark reality: “…the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” Tucídides also emphasized that wars have political causes, often not legitimate, which convince people to engage in war—be it trade or military.
Trump’s Unpopularity and the Rise of China
Despite Trump’s efforts, he has failed to convince the majority of Americans. Instead, his lies and aggressions have sparked significant social backlash across the United States. Although this social unrest hasn’t stopped Trump yet, more people are protesting. A leader without substantial social support is the most dangerous kind.
Speculation surrounds Trump’s motives, but a possible cause, described 2,500 years ago by Tucídides, is the trap of a declining power threatened by an ascending one. In this scenario, the rising power poses a threat to the declining one, potentially leading to hostility, conflicts, and even wars. Today, the United States represents the declining power, while China is the ascending one.
Vaclav Havel’s Influence on Carney’s Speech
Carney’s mention of Vaclav Havel, a Czech playwright, writer, and politician, was highly significant. Havel was a prominent figure during the Prague Spring of 1968, attempting to humanize existing real-socialism in Czechoslovakia. After the Soviet-led invasion, Havel became a dissident, enduring imprisonment for his opposition to totalitarianism and its lies.
Havel’s book, “Power of the Powerless,” advocates rejecting lies that uphold absolute power. Carney echoed this sentiment, stating, “The power of those with less power begins with honesty.” Oppression thrives when people conform to avoid problems, accepting the lies of a regime.
Carney called for removing signs that countries accept falsehoods, such as the notion that global order relies on stable rules when integration leads to subordination.
Mexico’s Position in the New World Order
In Mexico, we frequently hear about sovereignty and the necessity of integration with the United States. However, the reality is that there are two paths: we cannot alter geography but can choose between commercial and political diversification or submission with a sovereignty narrative.
Carney aptly stated, “It is often said that intermediate powers must act together, for if we are not at the table, we are on the menu.” Mexico currently finds itself on the menu.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the main topic of Mark Carney’s speech? Carney called for a new world order based on human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in response to the rise of powerful nations unbound by limitations.
- Who inspired Carney’s speech, and why? Carney drew inspiration from Vaclav Havel and Tucídides. Havel, a Czech dissident, symbolized the fight against totalitarianism and its lies. Tucídides provided insights into the dynamics between rising and declining powers.
- What is the significance of Tucídides’ wisdom in Carney’s speech? Tucídides’ insights highlight the tension between declining and ascending powers, which can lead to hostility, conflicts, and wars. In this context, the United States represents the declining power, while China is the ascending one.
- How did Vaclav Havel influence Carney’s message? Havel’s fight against totalitarianism and his advocacy for honesty inspired Carney to emphasize the importance of truth in countering oppressive regimes.
- What is Carney’s message to countries like Mexico? Carney urges nations to choose between commercial and political diversification or submission with a sovereignty narrative, as Mexico currently finds itself on the menu in the new world order.
