How to Avert the Tragedy of Great-Power Politics: Germany Knows the Costs of a World Governed by Power Alone (Friedrich Merz)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that Europe has entered a new era dominated by great-power politics, where U.S. global leadership is challenged, and the international order based on rights and rules is eroding. He highlights Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s strategic rise as key examples of this shift. Merz argues that Germany must adapt by strengthening its military, political, economic, and technological capacities, reducing dependencies, and asserting European sovereignty, while deepening partnerships with NATO allies and new global partners. He emphasizes a principled realist approach, balancing freedom, security, and strength, and pursuing a self-sustaining European pillar within NATO, alongside an updated, mature relationship with China.

I don’t know if it’s on purpose but there’s some sort of delusional thing going on. The international order was never based on rules but was based on what America dictated and could enforce. It so happened that what it enforced were those rules. But there was never a time where countries just chose to follow those rules.

Also he depicts Germany reluctance on the military as an outcome of WWII. But West Germany had a pretty strong military. So I don’t see why you would use that excuse.