Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the world’s rules-based international order is effectively collapsing, arguing that long-standing norms governing global security, trade, and diplomacy are under unprecedented strain. Speaking amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Merz said that principles once considered foundational—respect for sovereignty, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law—are increasingly being ignored or selectively applied.
Merz pointed to ongoing conflicts, strategic rivalries between major powers, and weakening global institutions as evidence that the post–World War II framework is fragmenting. He emphasized that institutions such as the United Nations and global trade bodies were designed to prevent unilateral aggression and economic coercion, yet enforcement mechanisms have struggled to keep pace with contemporary challenges.
The German leader stressed that Europe must adapt to this new reality. He argued that reliance on established alliances and diplomatic conventions is no longer sufficient in a world where power politics is resurgent. According to Merz, European nations must strengthen their defense capabilities, reduce strategic dependencies, and pursue a more unified foreign policy stance to safeguard their interests.
Merz also highlighted economic vulnerabilities, noting that supply chain disruptions, energy security concerns, and the weaponization of trade have exposed weaknesses in globalization. He called for a recalibration of economic partnerships to prioritize resilience alongside openness.
Despite his stark assessment, Merz maintained that abandoning the concept of a rules-based system is not an option. Instead, he urged democratic nations to recommit to shared values and actively defend international norms. Without coordinated action, he warned, instability could become the defining feature of global politics.
His remarks reflect growing anxiety across Europe that the global order underpinning decades of relative stability is eroding, leaving nations to navigate a more unpredictable and competitive geopolitical landscape.
