Canada signals middle-power diplomacy as great powers fracture global order

Canada will lead coalitions of middle powers to shape the emerging international order as great powers pull back from global economic cooperation, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Saturday at the UN General Assembly.

"Great powers are walking away from global economic co-operation, dismantling economic integration," Anand told the assembly. "In the face of this rupture, Canada's goal is to achieve greater strategic autonomy. The tide does not wait; you must move with it."

Anand said middle powers are playing a key role in building the framework for a new international order. "We will lead other middle powers to act collectively and decisively, because middle powers are playing a key role in building the framework for the new international order — which is being established as we speak."

Her speech echoed rhetoric Prime Minister Mark Carney has used over the past year about middle powers forging deeper ties. This is the second year in a row Anand has spoken on Canada's behalf at the UN General Assembly; Carney was at the UN Monday through Wednesday but officials said he could not deliver Canada's address due to scheduling issues.

Anand outlined Canada's foreign policy priorities as emerging technologies, critical minerals, defence production, energy, the rule of law, and respect for sovereignty. She said Canada is diversifying its relationships with new and old partners and will form issue-based coalitions on common challenges.

On NATO, Anand said: "This agreement is yet another reminder that North America and Europe are stronger together. And as a founding member of NATO, our commitment to the transatlantic alliance is ironclad" — referring to a defence agreement between Denmark, Greenland, and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Anand reaffirmed Canada's positions on regional conflicts: calling for just peace in Ukraine and self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis. She also said Canada supports the International Criminal Court amid efforts by Washington to dismantle the institution. On sovereignty and state dignity, Anand said they "have been treated with disdain."

Anand referenced Canada's pluralistic society and commitment to civil debate. She also mentioned a recent attack on a synagogue in Belleville, Ontario. "We were tragically reminded of the scourge of antisemitism again when a gunman carried out an attack on a synagogue in Belleville, Ont. Canada is an open, pluralistic society, with a public square full of robust and civil debate. Our success is underpinned by this civility, by our democratic institutions and by respect for our differences."