Mark Carney Warns Middle Powers Not to Play US‑Pleasing Games

When Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, sat down for a candid chat about international diplomacy, he didn’t mince words. He told the audience that the so‑called “middle‑power” nations – Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a handful of others – have been falling into a familiar trap: chasing the United States’ nod of approval at the expense of their own strategic priorities.

Carney made the point clear: trying to win favour with the U.S. is a zero‑sum game that ultimately leaves these countries weakened. “We’re not in a race to be the US’s best friend,” he said, chuckling slightly, “we’re in a race to be credible, responsible actors on the world stage.” He emphasized that credibility comes from standing firm on issues like climate change, human rights and fair trade, not from bending over backwards for Washington.

He also reminded listeners that middle powers have something unique to offer – a blend of economic clout, diplomatic agility and a reputation for multilateralism. “We can act as bridges, as mediators,” Carney noted, “but only if we’re not seen as merely echoing U.S. policy.” In his view, that independence is what gives these nations leverage in global negotiations, whether it’s at the G‑7, the climate talks in Glasgow or the emerging rules for digital trade.

The former governor didn’t shy away from the challenges, either. He acknowledged that the United States remains a dominant economic partner for many of these countries, and that disentangling too quickly could hurt businesses and workers. Still, he argued that a balanced approach – diversifying trade, investing in clean‑energy tech and deepening ties with the EU, Asia and the Pacific – is the smarter long‑term strategy.

In the end, Carney’s message was simple and a little sobering: middle‑power countries should stop treating the U.S. like a finish line they have to cross. Instead, they ought to chart their own courses, rooted in shared values and pragmatic interests. If they can do that, they’ll not only preserve their own sovereignty but also become the kind of partners the world truly needs.