Canadian PM in his speech at World Economic Forum in 2026 outlined a new agenda for the world i.e. -“Third Path” amid US-China rivalry and fading Rule based world order.
About Third path or Carney doctrine:
- The third path or Carney doctrine is based upon “Value-Based Realism”, “co-operation of middle powers” against hegemons and a policy of “variable geometry”.
- Value-Based Realism defends core principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights while recognizing incremental progress, diverging national interests, and partners having value differentials.
- Crucially, values-based realism rests on building domestic strength.
- Value-Based Realism defends core principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and human rights while recognizing incremental progress, diverging national interests, and partners having value differentials.
- Policy of “variable geometry” involves forming different coalitions for different issues, based on values and interests.
- E.g. Schengen Area, G7 Grouping, Quad Formation etc.
- This third path framework is relevant for other middle powers, including and particularly India.
What are middle powers?
- Great powers are often defined as countries with a permanent seat on UNSC (i.e.China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States). These countries exert economic, political and military dominance over the world.
- Middle powers are states below great powers that do not dominate the international system but possess significant diplomatic, economic, technological or normative influence.
- Examples include India, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Brazil, and several EU
