Story highlights Obama said he didn't believe "strongmen" would win out

Aside from expressing his disappointment in Trump's climate decision, Obama did not mention his successor by name

Washington (CNN) Former President Barack Obama warned Tuesday against the appeal of authoritarian voices around the world -- at several points airing veiled criticism of his successor, President Donald Trump.

In a rare post-presidency speech, delivered before the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Obama called on people, in the face of uncertainty, to stand by some of the very post-World War II economic and political institutions Trump has repeatedly called into question.

"In periods like this, people looking for control and certainty -- it's inevitable," Obama told the Canadian audience. "But it is important to remember that the world has gone through similar moments. ... Our history also shows there is a better way."

He said people should overcome fear and not listen to those who "call for isolation or nationalism" and those who "suggest rolling back the rights of others."

Obama's comments set a different tone than Trump, who campaigned on an "America First" message and has called Americanism his "credo."

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