Dignified Decline? Germany and Europe in the Changing World Order

The much-discussed changing world order can be described as a process of waning Western dominance with an uncertain outcome. Recent events and developments – such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the decision by many emerging non-Western countries not to joineconomic sanctions, and the war in Gaza – demonstrate both the West’s diminishing power and its decline as a moral ideal. In many ways, U.S. President Donald Trump is acting as a destroyer of the old liberal order, from which there will be no return even after his term in office. The parallel rise of China to become a major center of economic and political power appears to be a return to the historical norm. This phase of multipolarization is marked by uncertainty. Germany and Europe should not make the mistake of responding only with an uncoordinated military expansion initiative, accompanied by fantasies of cultural and geopolitical superiority. Meanwhile, more positive visions are being developed within Europe. These combine defense capabilities with adaptation to a world order that is still taking shape.