Trump vs Carney at Davos: One summit, two visions | Independent Thinking podcast

President Trump proclaimed US strength and denigrated Europeans. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged smaller nations to adapt to the ‘new reality’ by building coalitions with partners who share values.

Audio

Published 23 January 2026 — 35 minute listen

Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox joins the Independent Thinking podcast from the World Economic Forum in Davos. In London are guest host David Lubin, a Senior Research Fellow in Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme; and Grégoire Roos, Director of the Europe and Russia and Eurasia Programmes. 

They examine the implications of President Trump’s speech for Greenland, NATO, Europe, China and others, after Trump pulled back from using force in Greenland but left allies with a loss of trust in US intentions. 

Our analysts also discuss the impact of the address by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, a former President of Chatham House, who laid out his alternative vision for middle powers to cooperate when faced with what he called ‘a rupture’ in the world order.

Follow Chatham House’s ongoing coverage of international affairs, including Grégoire’s recently published commentary, ‘Trump’s Davos speech backed off escalation in Greenland. That will not prevent an EU rush for strategic autonomy’.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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