Former prime minister Justin Trudeau was accompanied by international pop star Katy Perry as he spoke about the importance of "soft power" in geopolitics at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday. Perry sat in the front row as Trudeau spoke about Canada not interfering in other countries' domestic policy to seize oil and assert influence.
Soft power, the focus of Trudeau's address to a group of international politicians and wealthy corporate heads, refers to a country's ability to wield tools such as music, food, sports and other cultural commodities to strengthen its global reputation and relationships with other nations.
Hard power, by contrast, relies on military force and economic sanctions and may be viewed as coercive. View image in full screen Katy Perry looks on as former prime minister Justin Trudeau delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Trudeau said Ukraine's stand against Russia's invasion was "soft power in action," and that Canada's solidarity with Ukraine underscores a commitment to an international rules-based order. Story continues below advertisement 1:35 Macron says Trump calling Canada the '51st state' shows U.S. is turning away from its allies Macron says Trump calling Canada the '51st state' shows U.S. is turning away from its allies PM Carney set to meet Trump as '51st state' rhetoric renews in US Canadians tired of constant '51st State' talk Trump not satisfied after call with "governor" Trudeau, White House says 'Elbows up': Trudeau warns Canada of 'existential' threat from U.S. in final speech as PM Previous Video Next Video "Never underestimate the resolve, the motivation and strength of people standing up to defend their sovereignty, their identity, their very existence," he said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The former Liberal leader recounted how Canada has advocated for free trade that prioritizes environmental protection, high labour standards and women's equality while rejecting the notion that U.S. President Donald Trump could make Canada the 51st state.
The couple, who were first seen in public in Montreal last July, left the event together but did not stop to speak with a long line of journalists. 1:56 Katy Perry hard launches romance with Justin Trudeau on IG Katy Perry hard launches romance with Justin Trudeau on IG Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry go on dinner date in Tokyo with Japan's Kishida Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry debut as a couple in Paris Wine and dine: Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau spotted together at Montreal restaurant Previous Video Next Video Story continues below advertisement During his speech, Trudeau said he was inspired by how Canadians stood united in the face of threats to their country's sovereignty, including by seeking out made-in-Canada labels in grocery stores and other retail spaces.
He used a personal anecdote to illustrate this soft power, and described going to a rooftop bar with an "American girl" - Perry - who ordered a "Jack and Coke," and was told there was no American alcohol on the menu. Trending Now Trump publishes text message from France's Macron on Greenland Read the full transcript of Carney's speech to World Economic Forum "That's an example of Canadians standing up for themselves," he said. More on World More videos Trump publishes text message from France's Macron on Greenland 'Appeasement' is a 'sign of weakness,' says Polish PM amid Greenland threats Giant replica of Trump's alleged birthday message to Epstein appears in D.C. Pro-Greenland demonstrators mock Trump with 'Make America Go Away' hats More efficient, interconnected Manitoba trade Firearms damage found on power line that led to Pimicikamak outage: Manitoba Hydro 'Leave Greenland alone!' U.S. anthem heckler at NBA game in London draws cheers Global News Hour at 6 BC: Jan 18 The World Economic Forum is a major event in Switzerland where international leaders and wealthy corporate leaders meet to discuss global affairs and economic development.
The event comes as the leaders of all 27 European countries prepare for an "extraordinary meeting" later this week in Davos, European Council President Antonio Costa said on Sunday. The meeting will take place in response to Trump's escalating threats to take Greenland.
Trump has not ruled out using force against Greenland and has also expressed a desire to purchase the island. Over the weekend, he implemented 10 per cent tariffs on eight European nations that opposed his pursuit of Greenland. They are scheduled to rise to 25 per cent in June if no deal is reached.
Trump has given several reasons for wanting to seize control of Greenland - namely U.S. national security. Story