The rules-based world order is a thing of the past. Merz

The rules-based international order is a thing of the past. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this on Friday, February 13, at the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), which takes place in the capital of Bavaria on February 13-15. The conference is attended by more than 60 heads of state and government, ministers of defense from about 100 countries. “This order, however imperfect it may be even at the best of times, no longer exists,” the head of the German government emphasized. Friedrich Merz recalled that the conference was being held under the gloomy motto - “Under Destruction.” “Europe has completed a long vacation from world history,” the Chancellor quoted the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk. “We have crossed the threshold of an era once again openly characterized by the use of force and the politics of great powers,” the German Chancellor noted. Germany's head of government has warned of threats to freedom in a world dominated by great powers. “In the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer taken for granted. “It is under threat,” he stressed. “To defend this freedom will require firmness and willpower,” the chancellor added. “This will require us to be prepared for change, change and, yes, even sacrifice. And not someday, but right now,” he said.