Third in a Series on U.S. Global Leadership: What a pleasure it is to see a normal, decent, and highly intelligent national leader address a group with expertise, finesse, humor, and that exceptional combination of confidence and humility. Such was the case yesterday when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to us at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Carney spoke candidly about the "hardening" of authoritarian models around the world and the diminution of "shared values" that once marked more democratic, multilateral approaches. "We prospered under the old system," he said, asking in exclamatory fashion, "Can we please have the old rules-based system back?"
Nonetheless, he understands that times have changed and that his job is to position Canada to compete effectively in the new world disorder. "We recognize what is happening. It's not a change; it's a rupture," he said. Carney asserted in that context that Canada "can thrive in this new non-system" for many reasons:
1. Energy: "We have what the world wants," he said, meaning that Canada is an "energy superpower," 85 percent of which is "clean." Canada also ranks in the Top Five in ten of the world's most critical minerals.
2. Technology: Carney touted Canada's burgeoning AI and Quantum sectors. He also opined that the absurd, new U.S. visa costs and restrictions will help Canada retain more of its talent. (An Indian official praised the U.S. ill-conceived visa changes over the weekend because they will help stem his own country's brain drain by denying the U.S. the tech talent it needs.)
3. Finances: Canada has cut income and capital gains taxes. It's reduced trade barriers. It's deepened trade relations with the EU and Mexico. And it's doubling defense spending and capitalizing on expertise in AI and Quantum in doing so.
4. Values: He reinforced Canada's commitment to building and sustaining a thriving, pluralistic society that understands the massive benefits of immigration. "We are among the most diverse countries in the world," he said proudly.
Canada has its act together. It's refreshing to witness a leader who similarly has his act together. So too with Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. They're both smart (each holds a doctoral degree), tough, measured, and deeply experienced. They're not perfect, of course, but these nations are in very good hands. They give us hope for the Americas, as does Brazil in prosecuting, convicting, and sentencing a former leader who dared to conduct a coup and attempt to overturn an election.
Image courtesy of CNN.