Davos 2026 buzzed with urgency as France and Canada’s leaders sounded the alarm on dominant powers’ aggression. US President Donald Trump’s dual play—joining World Economic Forum while boycotting France’s G7 emergency meet—set the tone for confrontation.
Macron’s invite met Trump’s scoff: a public Truth Social post mocking the French president’s tenure. The real flashpoint? Trump’s Greenland takeover bid and Canada fixation, prompting a united front from forum attendees.
Carney, Canada’s PM, delivered a powerhouse speech: ‘Big powers can go solo now. Middle powers? Team up or get served.’ He described a shattering global order, ending illusions of restraint in geopolitics.
‘We’re amid fragmentation, not mere transition,’ he stressed.
Macron advocated alliances with BRICS and G20 to counter instability. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff bomb—10% on France, Denmark, and five others backing Greenland—drew fire. EU’s von der Leyen warned it empowers adversaries we aim to isolate.
American envoys pushed back in Davos. Finance chief Bessent urged peace, likening threats to past moves. Greer framed tariffs as bargaining chips, with clear US expectations.
Undeterred, Macron labeled it a US ploy to subjugate Europe via tariffs, eroding global norms. He spotlighted China’s industrial threats and Russia’s Ukraine aggression too.
Defending Greenland, Macron pledged France’s stand for sovereignty and UN principles, opting for supportive drills with Europe over intimidation.
WWII shadows loom as mid-sized nations vow solidarity, reshaping alliances in a fracturing world.