SA Stuck Between Brics and Building a New Democratic Order

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has emerged as a leader in what used to be the 'Free World', standing up to US President Donald Trump's demands. This past week, he abruptly ended trade talks with the US and possibly started a trade war with its biggest economy.

In February, Carney pitched for the world's 'middle powers' to stand together against Trump's attempts to recast the post-World War 2 order. Middle powers would draw close around shared values, keep their foreign policy options open, and not gather around any superpower.

Former South African deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas has launched his new Nucleus Institute with a seminar on our role as a middle power. He said that unlike superpowers, middle powers cannot set the rules of the international system but can build consent to global rules and influence change.