Wie man die Tragödie der Großmachtpolitik abwenden kann

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.