Hegemon definition- a dominant leader, state, or group that exerts significant political, economic, or cultural control over others.

In his speech to theWorld Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland CanadianPrime Minister Carney alluded to a the end of rules based international order.

Reading between the lines, this is attributed to hegemonic behaviour.  The American hegemony was specifically referenced in the speech although China was not.

What Changed

I agree with Prime Minister Carneys assessment of a change in the world order where rules based behaviour is largely being replaced by acceptance of rule breaking by dominant leaders/ states (e.g. Trump, U.S.)

For me a key question is what changed to lead us to the current state?

I believe China has operated under hegemonic principles for decades but the U.S. adhered to the rule of law which enabled other countries to do so as well.

The recent U.S leadership change has resulted in hegemonic behaviour similar to China and Russia and unfortunately has left no single dominant country to support the rule of law.

What Now

We can only hope Carnies call to arms will succeed .

By acting together, as he proposes,  the “middle” countries referenced in his speech should be able to form a dominant group able to overcome the political, economic and cultural control exercised by the hemegon’s (i.e., China and the United States. )

When countries that value and recognize the need for  international rule of law act accordingly pressures to act  in alignment with political direction from the one or two dominant nations can be overcome.

As Carney states, the old order is gone but by acting in unison we can create an unified international order based on decency and common morality.  The bullies will, in essence, be vanquished.