A Changing World Order: Canada, China, and Global Power

At the World Economic Forum in Davos this past week, the Canadian Prime Minister gave a speech about how the world is changing. He explained that the global system we have known for many years is no longer stable. Countries are facing new political and economic challenges, and they must adapt to survive in this new situation.

A key point in the speech was Canada’s plan to expand its trade relationships, especially with China. For a long time, Canada has depended heavily on the United States for trade and security. However, political uncertainty in the U.S., especially during Donald Trump’s presidency, made Canada realize that relying too much on one country can be risky. Because of this, Canada is now looking for new partners.

China was presented as an increasingly important global power. Over the last few decades, China has grown into a major economic force. It plays a central role in global manufacturing, trade, and investment. Many countries now depend on China for goods, infrastructure, and financial cooperation. This has changed the balance of power in the world.

The European Union is also facing difficulties. Although it is economically strong, it struggles with internal disagreements, energy problems, and political divisions. Relations with the United States became more difficult during the Trump years, when trade threats and criticism of international organizations created tension. As a result, EU leaders are discussing whether Europe should depend less on the U.S. and become more independent.

These developments suggest that the world is moving away from a system dominated by one superpower. Instead, power is now shared among several major players, including the U.S., China, and the EU. This new situation offers opportunities for cooperation, but it also brings uncertainty and competition. The Canadian Prime Minister ended his speech by saying that cooperation and dialogue will be essential in this changing world.

2. Vocabulary Match 

Match each word with the correct definition.

WordDefinition

  1. reliance | a. a country or group with great influence

  2. diversify | b. to depend on something or someone

  3. dominance | c. the ability to act alone or make your own decisions

  4. alliance | d. to spread risk by choosing different options

  5. uncertainty | e. a formal agreement between countries

  6. stability | f. lack of clarity about the future

  7. emerging | g. a situation that is calm and predictable

  8. adapt | h. becoming important or powerful

  9. cooperation | i. to change in order to deal with a new situation

  10. independence | j. working together to achieve a goal

  11. tension | k. strain or conflict between groups or countries

  12. transition | l. the process of change from one system to another

3. Synonym Match 

Match each word to its synonym.

  1. reliance — dependence

  2. expand — grow

  3. dominance — control

  4. alliance — partnership

  5. adapt — adjust

  6. emerging — rising

  7. uncertainty — doubt

  8. stability — balance

  9. cooperation — collaboration

  10. transition — change

4. Role-Play Activities

Role-Play A – “Inside the Davos Conference Room”

Characters:

  • Canadian Prime Minister

  • U.S. Trade Representative

  • Chinese Economic Adviser

Starter:
PM: The world is changing, and Canada must adapt.
US Rep: Or you risk undermining a historic alliance.
China Adviser: Adaptation is simply realism.

→ Debate trade, power, and trust.

Role-Play B – “EU Leaders Behind Closed Doors”

Characters:

  • French President

  • German Chancellor

  • EU Trade Commissioner

Starter:
Commissioner: Can Europe still rely on the U.S.?
President: Not blindly.
Chancellor: But replacing the U.S. with China has risks.

Role-Play C – “A University Debate Club”

Characters:

  • Student A – pro-China multipolar world

  • Student B – defends U.S.-led order

  • Moderator

Starter:
Moderator: Is China’s rise stabilizing or dangerous?

Role-Play D – “Canadian Business Leaders React”

Characters:

  • Export company CEO

  • Labor union representative

  • Government adviser

Starter:
CEO: China is a massive opportunity.
Union Rep: At what cost to workers and values?

Role-Play E – “TV News Panel”

Characters:

  • Journalist

  • Political Analyst

  • Human Rights Activist

Starter:
Journalist: Is economic pragmatism more important than ethics?

Role-Play F – “Future World Summit, 2035”

Characters:

  • Chinese diplomat

  • EU foreign policy chief

  • Canadian mediator

Scenario:
Negotiate rules for global trade in a multipolar world.

5. Global Power Shifts – Research & Speaking Task

5A. Emerging Global Power Centers

  1. China

  2. European Union

  3. India

  4. United States

  5. ASEAN

  6. Middle Powers (Canada, Australia, South Korea)

Choose one and explain:

  • Why it matters

  • Its strengths and weaknesses

  • Its future role

6. Discussion Questions

  • Is the U.S. still the world’s dominant power?

  • Is China a partner, a rival, or both?

  • Should economic interests outweigh political values?

  • What risks come with multipolarity?

  • How did Trump change global trust in the U.S.?

  • Can middle powers influence world order meaningfully?

  • Is globalization being replaced by regional blocs?

  • Should Canada prioritize values or economic security?

  • What does “strategic autonomy” really mean?

  • Will the future world be more stable or more chaotic?

7A. Fill-in-the-Blanks

Use the vocabulary words below:
diversification | dominance | reliance | transition | pragmatic | autonomy | alliance | leverage | multipolar | instability | fragmentation | multilateralism |

  1. Canada is seeking trade __________ to reduce risk.

  2. The speech highlighted a global __________ away from U.S. leadership.

  3. China’s economic __________ is reshaping trade networks.

  4. Over-__________ on one ally can be dangerous.

  5. The Prime Minister took a __________ approach to foreign policy.

  6. Europe is debating greater strategic __________.

  7. NATO remains a powerful military __________.

  8. Economic __________ can be used in negotiations.

  9. The world is becoming increasingly __________.

  10. Political __________ worries investors.

  11. Global __________ weakens cooperation.

  12. __________ institutions are under pressure.

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