Stephen Harper at Raisina Dialogue 2025: 'Rules-based order is ending'

Former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper delivered a striking assessment of global power dynamics at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on Tuesday asserting that the era of a rules-based international order is coming to an end.

“Rules-based order as we know is ending. It was an aberration. Historically, big powers have asserted spheres of influence, and that reality is returning. Global mechanisms must adapt, as major powers will shape the system based on interests and strategic interactions, not fixed rules,” Harper said.

Addressing the annual conference, Harper emphasised that middle powers, including India and the European Union, would seek hard power to enhance their competitive stance in global affairs. “Middle powers will push for rules-based settlements and seek hard power—especially the EU and India—to compete more effectively on the global stage,” he noted.

Harper’s Ottawa remarks on Canada’s independence

Harper’s remarks in New Delhi came shortly after his statements in Ottawa, where he took a firm stance on Canada’s sovereignty in light of recent comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st US state. Speaking at a private event to promote his new book Flags of Canada, Harper asserted that he would accept “any level of damage” to Canada rather than see it annexed by the United States.

“I would be prepared to impoverish the country and not be annexed, if that was the option we’re facing,” Harper said, according to a National Post report from February 21.

His comments were made amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States following Trump’s announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Harper acknowledged the potential economic damage that could arise from resisting US pressure but emphasised the need for a strategic plan to rebuild Canada’s economy in such a scenario. “Important in that is to have a plan of how we would reorient our economy, so we would recover that prosperity again, and not just solve the damage,” he said.

Geopolitical implications of Harper’s statements

Harper’s remarks at the Raisina Dialogue reflect a broader shift in global politics where traditional norms of international order are being challenged by the resurgence of great power competition. His emphasis on the role of middle powers, particularly India and the EU, highlights the growing significance of regional alliances in shaping the new global order.

As global tensions rise and economic uncertainties mount, Harper’s perspective adds to the ongoing debate about the future of international governance and the ability of nations to maintain sovereignty in the face of geopolitical pressures.