In a striking address at the annual Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Friedrich Mercs declared that the old rules-based international order has disintegrated, ushering in a period marked by increased great power rivalry and a renewed emphasis on national interests. He described this transformation as a significant departure from a time when a loosely-based global order functioned, albeit imperfectly. Mercs highlighted that the pivotal manifestation of this new reality is the ongoing war initiated by Russia against Ukraine, which serves as a stark illustration of the challenges facing this new geopolitical landscape.

Mercs also pointed to China's role in reshaping global dynamics, criticizing the nation's systematic exploitation of dependencies that other countries have on it. He emphasized that Beijing is actively redefining international norms to align with its own objectives, thus contributing to the destabilization of the international order. This analysis indicates a broader trend where established powers are increasingly returning to purely power-centric politics, undermining cooperative international frameworks that were once predominant.

Reflecting on historical transitions, Mercs remarked that the period of unipolarity that briefly followed the fall of the Berlin Wall is long behind us, as the credibility of U.S. claims to global leadership has come under challenge. The speech underscores a growing consensus among global leaders that the geopolitical landscape is shifting dramatically, which may compel nations to reevaluate their foreign policy strategies in light of these emerging realities, as well as deal with the implications of great power engagement that could affect regional and global stability.