What effect will the L20 have on organizations such as the United Nations?

The G20 finance ministers were able to work very closely with the monetary and finance committees of the IMF and the World Bank. When I became chair of the G20, British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown was chair of the key organizing committees at the IMF. We were able to work very closely to make sure that what happened at the G20 was put to the wider membership of the IMF. The same thing could easily happen for the L20 with organizations like the United Nations or any of its institutions.

What roles do you foresee Canada and the L20 playing in reforming the United Nations?

While I was Prime Minister, Canada succeeded in having the United Nations adopt, among other initiatives, a significant reform known as the Responsibility to Protect. It states that while the definition of state sovereignty remains based on the Westphalian model, it now includes the responsibility of a state to protect its population, whether from outsiders or from internal oppression. Importantly, the doctrine also maintains that the international community has a responsibility to protect citizens in any country when a nation abdicates or is unable to fulfill its duty in this regard. The Responsibility to Protect would never have passed had it been left to 180 nations to bring it into being. It passed because 20 nations drove the process, demonstrating the need for small, focused groupings if reform is to be achieved.

With many nations withdrawing, qualifying participation, or refusing to participate, what will be required for the Kyoto Protocol to succeed?

The only way to deal with a global issue such as climate change is through an international understanding like the Kyoto Protocol. As it evolves, there will be changes, but they have to be within the context of targets that have major international support.

Many countries are on track in terms of their emissions targets. Many are not. Canada is one of the countries that has fallen behind. That does not mean that we should abandon Kyoto; it simply means we should redouble our efforts. To achieve Kyoto’s long-term targets, the international community must recognize that 2012 is only the first stage and that it is an achievable first stage at that.

What unique niche will Canada occupy in international affairs?

Taking the lead in Darfur, recognizing our responsibility in Afghanistan, and addressing need in Haiti as well as the Middle East are important roles that Canada may play. Shaping the direction that international aid will take and promoting discussions of trade liberalization are other means by which Canada can make important contributions.

Continuing to push for the L20 is another very important role for Canada. Just as financial globalization has outstripped trade globalization in its impact on the world, the activities of the private sector and non-governmental organizations have outstripped the efforts of national governments to make globalization work. Canada has a unique role to play as these governments catch up. We are wealthy, highly productive, highly technologically advanced, and our population is representative of the vast multi-cultural nature of the world. These are huge advantages that Canada has in the international community.

Would you agree with the historical classification, at least of the last century, of Canada as a middle power?

Yes, but I believe that the term “middle power” no longer applies as it was interpreted. In the last two decades, the world has shifted from being dominated by rival superpowers, the United States and the West versus the USSR and its client states, to having a single superpower. But the concept of superpower will soon change. Within a very short period of time, there will be a number of superpowers.

A highly productive, wealthy country like Canada can play an increasingly important role and wield significant economic and political influence. The rise of a new multilateralism will give a very different definition of the 20th century concept of a middle power. We have a tremendous advantage in our developed, active, private sector operating in the global economy and in the quality of our universities, people, natural resources, and technology. These assets will play very important roles in defining Canada in the world.