Screenshot of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivering speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Photo: World Economic Forum
During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday local time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed how the new German government is evaluating what he called “tectonic shifts” in the global landscape and forming its response. He mentioned that he agrees with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s views expressed at Davos. Merz also pointed out that China has strategically positioned itself among the great powers.
Merz’s comments indicate, on one hand, that the EU recognizes China’s strategic growth, but on the other hand, they portray China as part of a “problematic” power dynamic challenging Europe-an interpretation some Chinese experts consider misguided. They argue that the real barrier to EU strategic autonomy lies in Europe’s lack of unity and emphasize that such autonomy must be cultivated internally rather than sought externally.
In his over 20-minute address, Merz addressed changes in global order, transatlantic security and NATO, plans to boost Germany’s defense budget, as well as trade and international partnerships. He also called for cutting red tape, modernizing the EU budget, enhancing Europe’s capital markets, and improving Germany’s innovation and infrastructure to draw investment according to a transcript from the German government website.
Describing today’s world as having entered “a new era marked by great-power politics,” Merz stated that the international order established over previous decades is coming apart due to events like Russia’s war with Ukraine, China’s strategic rise, and shifts in US foreign policy.
“This new world of great powers is being built on power, on strength and when it comes to it, on force. It is not a cozy place,” Merz remarked while referencing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s assertion at Davos about needing more than just values for influence: “We must no longer rely only on the power of our values. We must also recognize the value of our power.” Merz added that “I share that view. And when I look into this room, into this hall, I want to say: Most of us share it. And that is a good starting point.”
Together with Carney’s speech, Merz’s remarks reveal a growing sense of unease within Europe and among several middle powers like Canada without clear strategies for addressing these challenges according to Jiang Feng from Shanghai International Studies University who spoke with Global Times on Friday.
Merz acknowledging China’s rise shows awareness of its position as a significant power based on strategy and long-term progress. Yet he also frames China as part of an adverse great-power situation confronting Europe alongside the US. This approach leads to policy logic aimed at seeking independence from major powers-military autonomy from the US while exercising caution towards China said Jiang.
This reasoning may apply regarding relations with the US; however applying it toward China overlooks Beijing’s cooperative strategy and view toward Europe as an ally. This reflects ongoing misunderstandings within Europe concerning China which need addressing for a more rational partnership beneficial for both sides stated Jiang.
The focus from Germany and Europe toward China acknowledges changes within global dynamics. China’s economic advancements along with narrowing gaps compared to US capabilities make it essential in current power competition said Dong Yifan an associate research fellow at Beijing Language and Culture University while speaking with Global Times.
Simultaneously this attention exposes increasing anxiety across Europe amidst declining influence urging reassessment regarding their stance towards China noted Dong.
In his address Merz warned against living under circumstances where “only power counts”, suggesting it’s dangerous first for smaller states followed by middle powers eventually impacting even great powers themselves.
Mentioning recent demands from US officials regarding greater influence over Greenland he remarked “We support talks between Denmark Greenland and the US on basis.. it is good news we are making steps into right direction.. This is right way because any threat aimed at acquiring European territory by force would be unacceptable.”
European leaders have increasingly referenced “great-power politics” amid heightened pressure from Washington regarding Greenland noted Jiang stating this narrative reflects self-serving logic since Europe historically has engaged similarly alongside America utilizing both military actions coupled with so-called value-based diplomacy including sanctions.
If European nations do not break free from this mindset nor engage genuinely reflective conversations about their approach towards great-power dynamics they will struggle achieving meaningful outcomes said him.
Covering details surrounding Merz’s statements in Davos various European media outlets echoed themes concerning “great power politics.” For instance The Guardian quoted him saying that global order transitions occur at a “breathtaking pace,” encouraging leaders assembled not accept these developments passively or inevitability while Deutsche Welle reported under headline “Germany’s Merz Says Old World Order Is ‘Unraveling,’” highlighting necessity for European unity during shifting geopolitical climate.
Pursuing historical contexts showcases times where existential crises led European nations towards unification yet given existing conditions prospects appear grim noting lack clarity around strategic direction combined absence political commitment aligning shared goals highlighted Jiang further stressing Europe’s issues stem less from lacking might than lacking coherence within collective strategies.
Despite significant economic resources defense expenditures workforce presence together they remain unable operate cohesively preventing conversion capabilities into true strategic strength highlighted continuing reliance upon NATO thereby relying heavily upon U. S support emphasizing contradiction undermining coherent vision genuine autonomous strategy thus far failed evolve effectively according Dong insights shared earlier.
Ultimately against backdrop geopolitical shifts , Europe grapples deeper reevaluation longstanding dependencies involving NATO & U. S dynamics. While immediate disengagement isn’t feasible realization exists long-term security fundamentally rests strengths developed internally.
Nevertheless challenges persist particularly internal conflicts constraining growth defense sector impeding swift detachment reliance external partnerships inevitably unfolding lengthy contested process while potential alterations political foreign-policy landscapes within United States introduce additional uncertainties altering trajectories likewise concluded Dong.
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