Merz’s stark warning at Davos: the world is unraveling
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a pointed warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that the international order is unraveling at a breathtaking pace. He contended that a world where power determines outcomes is a dangerous place, a characterization aimed at the shifting balance of power among major nations and the instability it generates across economies, security, and governance.
Merz did not frame the challenge as a Germany-only issue. He cast it as a global predicament, urging allies and partners to confront a trend toward contestation and strategic competition that, in his view, threatens the very framework that has underpinned postwar stability. The German chancellor’s message aligns with a broader concern among Western leaders that great power politics—where strategic advantage and coercive diplomacy take precedence—undermines international norms, multilateralism, and predictable markets.
The heart of the argument: power politics vs. order-based cooperation
At the core of Merz’s remarks is a contrast between a rules-based international order and a power-based system where strength dictates access to resources, security guarantees, and diplomatic influence. He warned that without robust cooperation, alliances risk fraying at the edges and global institutions could lose legitimacy in the eyes of citizens worldwide. The chancellor argued that parties across the political spectrum must reaffirm commitments to common security, open trade, and shared resilience to weather the cascading effects of geopolitical tension.
Implications for Europe and beyond
For Europe, Merz highlighted the urgency of strengthening European strategic autonomy without severing the transatlantic bond. He suggested that a united, capable Europe can be a stabilizing force in an era of great power competition, but only if member states coordinate policies on defense, technology, and climate—all while maintaining open markets that support growth.
Beyond Europe, Merz urged an inclusive approach that brings together democratic partners while engaging with responsible actors who can contribute to a frank, outcome-oriented dialogue. He emphasized that a global order built on cooperation—not coercion—will better withstand crises, from energy shocks to cyber threats and regional conflicts.
What needs to change, according to Merz
Three overarching themes dominated Merz’s call to action. First, reinforce multilateral frameworks that set rules for trade, security, and technology transfer, ensuring they keep pace with rapid innovation and evolving strategic rivalries. Second, strengthen resilience in supply chains, critical infrastructure, and energy systems to reduce vulnerabilities exposed by geopolitical tensions. Third, bridge the gap between public sentiment and foreign policy by communicating the value of diplomacy, deterrence, and investment in collective security to citizens who may feel left behind by global integration.
Reaction and broader context
Analysts note that Merz’s remarks come at a moment when several powers are recalibrating their international posture. Washington, Beijing, Moscow, and others are recalibrating alliances, blocs, and economic orders in ways that complicate traditional diplomacy. In this context, Merz’s emphasis on resilience, shared rules, and alliance cohesion is a nod to the idea that the best path through rising strategic competition is a renewed commitment to cooperation and credible deterrence.
Looking ahead: a call for responsible leadership
As Davos continues to host conversations on growth, innovation, and climate, Merz framed the debate in moral terms: a world where only power counts is dangerous not just for policymakers but for ordinary people who depend on predictable markets, safe energy supplies, and stable governance. He urged leaders to translate the rhetoric of unity into practical steps—clear commitments, transparent decision-making, and sustained investments in institutions that constrain excesses of power while rewarding constructive compromise.
Whether listeners share his assessment of the current trajectory or propose alternative paths, Merz’s Davos message adds a sharp, timely note to discussions about how the international order can adapt to survive and prosper amid growing power competition.
