The Paikin Podcast World on Edge: Can Middle Powers Fight Back?
Jan 29, 2026
Christian Leuprecht, security policy professor at Queen's and RMC, and Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School and international relations expert, examine Mark Carney’s Davos speech and why nostalgia won’t save the rules-based order. They explore middle power alliances, minilateral responses, Canada’s trade dependence on the U.S., and the pragmatic trade-offs of balancing principles with realpolitik.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Most Consequential Canadian PM Speech
- Janice Stein called Mark Carney's Davos address the most consequential international speech by a Canadian prime minister.
- The speech uniquely captured international attention by speaking publicly what many said privately.
Speech Captured The Moment
- Christian Leuprecht says the speech captured the moment and anticipated U.S. policy shifts under Trump.
- Janice Stein says it urged Canadians to stop mourning the rules-based order and act with urgency.
Live In A Realist World
- Christian Leuprecht argues Canada must accept a more realist world where superpowers act unilaterally.
- He warns Canada needs capabilities and political will to avoid being run over by stronger powers.
