Amid escalating geopolitical tensions gripping the world, Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) , issued a stark warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos, asserting that a world governed solely by force is a “dangerous place.” His remarks reflected growing European anxiety in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the rise of Chinese influence, and profound shifts in US foreign and security policies.
Historical background: From the ashes of war to the global order
Merz’s warning evokes the harsh lessons Germany and Europe learned in the 20th century. After two devastating world wars, the post-1945 international order was founded on the principles of international law, multilateral cooperation, and shared institutions like the United Nations, with the aim of preventing a recurrence of the catastrophes caused by power politics and hegemony. Merz alluded to this bitter experience when he said, “In the 20th century, my country, Germany, followed this path to its bitter end and dragged the world with it into a dark abyss.” This historical legacy is what drives Germany today to uphold a rules-based world order, where small and medium-sized states have a voice and protection, and where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy, not brute force.
The importance of the warning in the context of the German “turning point”
These statements are particularly significant because they come at a time when Germany itself is undergoing a historic shift in its foreign and security policy, a turning point that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has termed a “Zeitenwende” (turning point in time) . After decades of military caution and a focus on economic diplomacy, the war in Ukraine has prompted Berlin to fundamentally reassess its position. This shift has included a massive increase in defense spending and the provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine, marking a break with past policies. Therefore, Merz’s warning is not mere rhetoric; it reflects a deep German understanding that European security is no longer guaranteed and that the continent must prepare to defend its values and interests in a more dangerous world.
Regional and international influence: Challenges to existing alliances
Regionally, the warning underscores the need to strengthen European unity and strategic autonomy. Complete reliance on the American security umbrella is now being questioned, particularly given the political volatility in Washington. In this context, Lars Klingbeil, co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) , previously warned that “the transatlantic alliance is undergoing a deeper transformation,” referring to the tensions that prevailed during the administration of former President Donald Trump. These concerns are pushing Europe toward building its own defense capabilities and coordinating its foreign policies more effectively to counter common threats.
Internationally, this warning represents a call to defend the liberal world order against attempts to undermine it by powers seeking to establish their own spheres of influence. Great power competition not only threatens security but also hinders global efforts to address pressing challenges such as climate change and pandemics, which require broad international cooperation, not a struggle for dominance.
