German Chancellor Laments End of Transatlantic Order

German Chancellor Laments End of Transatlantic Order

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced concerns about the shifting global order, stating that the transatlantic norms and agreements that have defined international relations for decades are now under question. During a speech at the Suddeutsche Zeitung economic conference, Merz highlighted the West’s need to adapt to a new geopolitical landscape as global power dynamics change.

Merz indicated that the deepening divide with the United States is challenging the foundations of transatlantic cooperation, calling into question decades of established relations. He also addressed the complexities of Germany’s current foreign policy challenges, including the Ukraine conflict, the balancing act with China, and the intricate trade disputes with the U.S. Beyond the immediate issues, he warned that the world is undergoing a fundamental shift in political and economic power, urging Germany and other nations to take an active role in shaping a new international order.

In line with his previous statements, Merz reiterated the West’s declining global influence, noting that the appeal of the so-called ‘free West’ is diminishing. This perspective aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion of an inevitable multipolar world, which criticizes the West’s unipolar dominance and promotes an end to liberal globalization.