It is now commonplace to say that the international rules-based order is dead. Indeed, in his speech at Davos in January, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney not only pronounced its death but outlined a strategy for middle powers to adopt in response.
There are two elements of the rules-based order that have been challenged by recent events. The first is that there can be no changes to borders through the forcible annexation of territory or unilateral secession. This is one of the main pieces of the international order that appears to have fallen. The first serious brick in the wall was removed in 2014, with general acquiescence to Russia’s takeover of Crimea and eastern Donbass. It was also challenged more recently by the United States’ stated desire to purchase Greenland, as if it was a piece of real estate, and against the wishes of both Greenlanders and Denmark.
Carney does not “matter” in the old or new world order.
