German Chancellor Issues Stark Warning on Global Instability at Davos Summit
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a sobering address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, asserting that the international order is "unravelling at a breathtaking pace." He emphasized that a world dominated solely by power dynamics poses significant dangers, particularly for smaller and middle-power nations, with eventual repercussions for major global players.
Key Threats to Global Stability
Merz pinpointed several critical factors contributing to this destabilization:
- Russia's aggression in Ukraine, which he described as "the most drastic expression" of a new global era.
- China's strategic ascent, noting its calculated rise into the ranks of great powers.
- The United States' evolving foreign policy, as it radically reshapes its security approach in response to challenges to its global leadership.
He remarked, "We have entered a time of great power politics. The international order of the past three decades anchored in international law has always been imperfect. Today, its very foundations have been shaken."
Europe's Strategic Response and Pillars of Power
In response to these mounting challenges, Merz outlined three essential pillars for Europe to bolster its influence and security:
- Substantial investment in defense capabilities, a measure already underway.
- Rapid enhancement of economic competitiveness, actively being pursued.
- Strengthened unity among European nations and like-minded partners, a current focus area.
He stressed that Europe's greatest strength lies in its ability to forge partnerships and alliances based on mutual trust and respect, a lesson drawn from Germany's own turbulent 20th-century history, which he said "pulled the world into a black abyss."
Addressing Transatlantic Tensions and Arctic Security
Merz also commented on recent tensions involving the United States, particularly welcoming President Donald Trump's decision to retract threats of forcibly seizing Greenland from Denmark. He stated, "Any threat to acquire European territory by force would be unacceptable," and warned that proposed new tariffs could undermine transatlantic relations, prompting a unified and firm European response.
Despite these frictions, he acknowledged the U.S.'s serious approach to Russian threats in the Arctic, pledging NATO's commitment to protect Denmark and Greenland. "We share the conviction that as European NATO allies, we must do more," Merz affirmed, assuring solidarity with European neighbors and partners.
Call for NATO Reinforcement and Trust Restoration
Emphasizing the importance of the NATO alliance, Merz urged against abandoning it, highlighting the need to repair foundational trust. "Europe knows how precious it is," he concluded, underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard global stability in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
