German chancellor Merz says US is abandoning rules-based world order

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the United States is shifting away from international law toward a foreign policy dictated solely by power and national interest. He urged Europe to assert its strength to earn Washington's respect.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark assessment of the transatlantic relationship, declaring that the United States is actively turning away from the rules-based international order. Speaking at a political event for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Heddesheim on Friday, Merz observed that American policy is increasingly moving "towards a purely power- and interest-led politics" rather than one oriented around international law and multilateral cooperation.

A Call for European Assertiveness, Not Appeasement

Merz framed this shift as a fundamental challenge that Europe cannot ignore. He argued that the continent cannot afford to "bury our heads in the sand" or seek refuge in a geopolitical niche, stating such a passive strategy would ultimately fail. Addressing the dynamic under U.S. President Donald Trump directly, the chancellor suggested that mere criticism of American policy is ineffective. Instead, he asserted that Europe must demonstrate its own strength and unity. "They will only respect us if we have alliance partners in Europe who speak the same language as us," Merz stated, warning that making "ourselves small" or "ducking away" would only lead to further marginalization.

The Underlying Challenge of Preserving European Industry

Beyond foreign policy, Merz linked the need for geopolitical strength to urgent domestic economic concerns. He emphasized that preserving Germany's, and by extension Europe's, industrial base is an essential task. The chancellor noted that the solutions to these intertwined problems of security and economic competitiveness lie "in our hand," implying that European sovereignty and prosperity require decisive, independent action rather than reliance on a mercurial ally.

A Broader Shift in Global Alignment

Merz's comments reflect a growing recognition among European leaders that the post-Cold War era of predictable U.S. leadership is over. This reassessment is prompting calls for greater European strategic autonomy in defense, trade, and technology. The German stance resonates with other nations that prioritize stability and a predictable international framework. For countries like Türkiye, which has long navigated its foreign policy by balancing relations with various powers, the weakening of a U.S.-led order underscores the importance of building resilient regional partnerships and pursuing independent, interest-based diplomacy to secure national objectives in an increasingly multipolar and volatile world.