BRICS & the Shifting Global Order: Carney’s Davos Speech & the Rise of the Global South

Davos, Switzerland – January 20, 2026 – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a stark assessment of the global order at the World Economic Forum, arguing that the post-World War II system is not undergoing a transition, but a “rupture.” His remarks, delivered in both French and English, resonated with a growing sense that the established international framework is fraying, and prompted discussion about the role of middle powers in shaping a new, more resilient order.

Carney’s speech, which received a standing ovation, directly challenged the notion that the “rules-based international order” is universally applicable or consistently upheld. He asserted that the current system has historically favored powerful nations, selectively imposing its norms on less influential states. This observation, he argued, has sustained an illusion of stability while the underlying foundations of the order have eroded, particularly with the diminishing role of the United States as a consistent provider of global public goods.

The Prime Minister’s call for middle powers to actively construct a new order based on values such as human rights, sustainable development, and respect for sovereignty, has been interpreted as a signal of Canada’s intent to pursue a more independent foreign policy. He emphasized the need for honesty in acknowledging the realities of great power rivalry, moving beyond a strategy of simply aligning with dominant forces.

However, Carney’s analysis is not occurring in a vacuum. His speech coincides with a broader shift in the global landscape, notably the rise of BRICS – a coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia – and the increasing influence of the Global South. Experts suggest that Carney’s call for a new geopolitical strategy echoes historical movements like the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to create a space for autonomous action outside the influence of major powers during the Cold War.

The emergence of BRICS, as one analyst noted, represents a challenge to the hegemony of the G7 and a desire for a multipolar world. The grouping aims to reform international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, and to increase the decision-making power of countries outside the traditional Western sphere of influence. This ambition is rooted in a history of resistance to the inequalities embedded within the post-war international system, a system largely designed while many nations in the Global South were still under colonial rule.

The structure of institutions like the UN Security Council, with its permanent members wielding veto power, exemplifies this historical imbalance. The current system, critics argue, privileges the interests of powerful nations at the expense of broader representation and equity. The fact that Africa, despite bearing the brunt of global conflicts, lacks permanent representation on the Security Council, underscores this disparity.

BRICS, and the broader Global South, are advocating for a reformed system that prioritizes both efficiency and representativeness. This perspective challenges the notion that effective governance requires the dominance of powerful actors, suggesting instead that a more inclusive and equitable system is both possible and desirable. This stance is reflected in BRICS declarations supporting principles like sovereignty, multilateralism, and a reformed global trading system.

Interestingly, the United States itself appears to be questioning the existing order. The recent withdrawal from numerous international organizations and the imposition of tariffs, coupled with military interventions, signal a departure from the post-war consensus. However, the U.S. Remains fiercely protective of the dollar’s dominance, warning against efforts by BRICS nations to de-dollarize their economies.

This dynamic has prompted countries in the Global North to reassess their strategies, seeking to diversify partnerships and reduce their vulnerabilities. Carney’s call for “collective investments in resilience” and issue-based alliances reflects this trend, mirroring approaches previously employed by the Non-Aligned Movement and, more recently, by concepts like “active non-alignment” and “multi-alignment.”

Brazil, for example, has adopted a pragmatic approach, balancing its commitment to Security Council reform with a cautious approach to expanding BRICS membership, fearing dilution of its influence. This illustrates the complexities of navigating a multipolar world and the need for flexible strategies tailored to specific national interests.

The upcoming BRICS Summit in India later this year is expected to focus on strengthening economic, social, and institutional resilience in the face of global uncertainties. This agenda reflects a shared understanding among BRICS nations of the challenges posed by a changing world order and a commitment to building alternative frameworks for cooperation and stability. The emphasis on resilience also acknowledges the historical experience of countries in the Global South, which have long been adept at navigating turbulent waters and adapting to external pressures.

Carney’s speech in Davos, serves as a catalyst for a broader conversation about the future of the international order. It highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the existing system and the increasing agency of the Global South in shaping a new, more equitable, and multipolar world.