The world can go on without the US — Canadian PM Mark Carney has said that the US should not overestimate its influence globally, noting that the economic ‘center of gravity’ is shifting. During a speech at the G20 summit in South Africa, Carney emphasized that decisions made during the summit — held without US participation — could still shape global economic outcomes.
The United States declined to attend the summit, citing accusations by President Donald Trump that South Africa is perpetrating a genocide against white farmers. This led to the US skipping the meeting, which took place in Johannesburg. Despite this absence, the G20 issued a declaration, with the US stating only a chairman’s summary would be released due to its non-participation. Carney pointed out that the gathering, which included countries representing three-quarters of the world’s population, two-thirds of global GDP, and three-quarters of world trade, did not need the US to proceed.
Carney, who has been a key figure in economic policy, argued that this shift in economic power signifies a broader global realignment. He added that Canada is pursuing stronger economic ties with countries such as Russia, India, and South Africa. Russian delegation head Maksim Oreshkin praised the summit as a success, noting constructive communications with both ‘friendly’ and ‘unfriendly’ nations. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the US boycott a loss, stating that the G20 is proceeding without US interference.