TL:DR – Friedrich Merz warns at Munich Security Conference that global order has changed
• Friedrich Merz spoke at the Munich Security Conference, stating the long-standing world order “no longer exists.”
• Merz warned that the United States cannot “go it alone” in the new age of great power politics.
• He highlighted a divide between Europe and the US, referencing vice president J.D. Vance’s criticisms from the previous year.
• Merz asserted that Germany and Europe have taken a leading role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
• He declared that Russia is not yet willing to negotiate peace in the conflict.
Merz warns Munich Security Conference freedom ‘is no longer a given’ in stark remarks
Friedrich Merz Addresses Munich Security Conference on Global Order
Friedrich Merz, the Leader of the Christian Democratic Union in Germany, stated at the Munich Security Conference on Friday that the longstanding world order “no longer exists,” highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of security and defence strategies. Merz’s comments underscore the evolving context of great power politics and signal a shift in how significant nations, including Germany, must navigate international relations.
Merz warned that the United States, once seen as the dominant global power, will not be able to “go it alone” in this new geopolitical landscape. He noted that the “unipolar moment” following the fall of the Berlin Wall has passed, creating a challenging environment for democratic states.
Merz Critiques Disintegration of Rules-Based Order
Speaking on the theme of “a world under destruction,” Merz stated that the international order established after the Second World War is being dismantled. He remarked, “This order, as flawed as it has been even in its heyday, no longer exists,” indicating the pressing need for renewed strategies in self-defence for nations like Germany.
He argued that the current return to power politics reflects not just rivalry among great powers but also the growing desire for strong leadership within many democratic states. Merz described this shift as an “illusion” that moves away from a law-based world towards a harsh and unpredictable political dynamic.
Transatlantic Relations Under Scrutiny
Merz also brought to light the “inconvenient truth” that the transatlantic relationship between the United States and Europe is in jeopardy. He referenced critical remarks made by US Vice President J.D. Vance during last year’s conference, noting that a divide has emerged between the two regions.
However, Merz distanced himself from Vance’s alarming portrayal, asserting that European values maintain distinct differences from the policies of the previous US administration. He emphasised commitments to free trade and international agreements in the face of cultural and political conflicts.
Support for Ukraine Discussed by Merz
Throughout his address, Merz stressed the necessity of western allies supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting the European commitment to help Kyiv since the start of the war. He remarked, “For a year, Germany and Europe have assumed the most important leading role,” indicating that substantial costs have been imposed on Moscow.
In a follow-up discussion with conference chairman Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, Merz expressed doubt about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. He referred to a recent high-profile visit to Moscow by an unnamed European Prime Minister as a failure, illustrating the need for vigilance and determination in response to Russian aggression.
Merz concluded by warning that European freedom can no longer be assumed as secure and must be actively defended. He called for an immediate reassessment of Europe’s military and economic capabilities to ensure the preservation of freedom in the face of rising global tensions.
“