
The Herle Burly New World Order: Canada on the World Stage with David Mulroney & Jennifer Welsh
Jan 17, 2026
Jennifer Welsh, a global governance expert from McGill University, and David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to China, dive into the shifting international order. They discuss the rise of China and its influence, the impact of the Trump presidency on U.S. leadership, and Canada's complacency regarding geopolitical changes. The duo also debates Canada's economic vulnerabilities and emphasizes the importance of building diversified partnerships and enhancing security investments to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
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Post‑1945 Order Is Reconfiguring
- International order is shifting from US-led institutionalism to contested, multi-modal arrangements.
- Jennifer Welsh warns new cooperative 'club' arrangements may replace global universal institutions.
Trump As The Prime Unsettler
- Donald Trump's presidency has dramatically unsettled international expectations and Canadian security assumptions.
- David Mulroney sees Trump's ascendancy as the primary destabiliser but believes the U.S. could change after elections.
Act On Interference Before Diplomatic Pushes
- Do establish and publicize strong countermeasures against foreign interference before pursuing major diplomatic initiatives.
- David Mulroney argues visible action would have altered how the China visit was perceived.


