Jonathan Freedland’s conclusion that Donald Trump’s most recent actions and insults leave the “middle powers” with no option but to strengthen their own defences fits well with the earlier assessments by both Mark Carney and Gordon Brown (As the world finally punches back, was this the week Donald Trump went too far?, 23 January). All three have identified the need for those countries that desire to maintain world peace, promote a collective approach to trade and security, and settle disputes by arbitration, should combine to create a body outside of the sphere of the US, Russia or China.
There is a growing consensus on the need for a non-aligned coalition of the middle powers, and Mark Carney has emerged as the spokesperson able to articulate a platform around which nations of goodwill can cluster.
