NEW YORK – America’s allies no longer view it as a champion of collective security, free trade, and the rule of law. At the same time, China’s growing economic power and political influence concerns many whose prosperity has become increasingly dependent on maintaining constructive relations with the People’s Republic. In this fraught new environment – with the United States and China dominating the international system, and with Russia committed to upending it – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned in January that “the middle powers must act together.”

© Project Syndicate