German Chancellor Merz Declares End of Rules-Based International Order, Cites Shift in Global Leadership
MUNICH — In a stark assessment of the current geopolitical landscape, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that the “international order based on rights and rules” no longer exists. Speaking at the opening of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, the Chancellor delivered a sobering message regarding the shifting dynamics of global power, specifically highlighting the changing roles of China and the United States.
“China wants to be a leader in shaping the world,” Merz stated, addressing an audience of global security leaders and diplomats. He contrasted Beijing’s rising influence with the trajectory of the United States, asserting that “the U.S.’ claim to leadership has been challenged and possibly lost.”
The Chancellor’s comments reflect a growing unease within Europe regarding the transatlantic partnership and the stability of global governance. Merz argued that the post-World War II framework, which prioritized multilateralism and international law, has eroded in favor of a new era defined by “great-power rivalry” and national interests.
“We are experiencing that our most important ally in the world – the United States of America – is turning away from a rules-based order,” Merz said. He suggested that American foreign policy is increasingly driven by “purely power- and interest-led politics,” a shift that he warned requires Europe to fundamentally rethink its strategic posture.
Merz emphasized that Europe can no longer rely on the automatic protection or leadership of the United States. “Even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone in an increasingly tough world,” he noted, calling for a “repair and revive” approach to trans-Atlantic trust while simultaneously urging the European Union to build its own “strong, self-supporting pillar” within the NATO alliance.
Addressing the economic and structural challenges facing the West, Merz pointed to China’s efficiency as a critical benchmark. He noted that while the U.S. and China are rapidly expanding their technological and industrial capabilities, Europe risks falling behind due to over-regulation and slower decision-making processes.
The Chancellor’s speech serves as a clarion call for greater European strategic autonomy. He warned that if Europe attempts to “duck away” or “make itself small” in the face of these changes, it will lose the respect of both Washington and Beijing. “They will only respect us if we have alliance partners in Europe who speak the same language,” Merz concluded, urging the continent to unite and assert its interests in a world where the old rules no longer apply.
* aa.com.tr
* yenisafak.com
* washingtonpost.com
* cgtn.com
