{"id":1857136,"date":"2026-03-30T15:05:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857136"},"modified":"2026-03-30T15:05:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T12:05:06","slug":"wef-2026-can-europe-defend-itself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1857136","title":{"rendered":"WEF 2026: Can Europe defend itself?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76588447_6.jpg”]<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BNr2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
Pistorius (right) has a vision for a new alliance of middle powers that includes Japan, Singapore and Australia alongside GermanyImage: R. Ebbighausen\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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During his eight-day tour to the Indo-Pacific, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius<\/a> repeatedly emphasized the importance of the rules\u2011based international order \u2014 the shared structures\u00a0that have underpinned global cooperation for decades.<\/p>\n

Pistorius’ hosts in Japan<\/a>, Singapore<\/a> and Australia<\/a> readily seized on his remarks and emphasized how important this order is.<\/p>\n

In Canberra, for example, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the shared values of his country and Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“We respect the rule of law, both nationally and internationally,” he told a joint press conference in Parliament last Thursday. “The rules-based order<\/a> is deeply important to both of our countries…”<\/p>\n

At every public-facing meeting Pistorius held in the region, he and his interlocutors also stressed how the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparably linked.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Today’s world is becoming more and more networked \u2014 day by day, whether we like it or not,” Pistorius said in Canberra.\u00a0“Conflicts, economic crises, natural disasters \u2014 they occur in one region of the world, but their causes may lie in another far\u2011away region.”<\/p>\n

A new role for Germany?<\/h2>\n

But this constant invocation of the rules\u2011based order also reveals that leaders are more aware of how long\u2011held certainties are dissolving, while\u00a0new ones are only just emerging and have yet to be tested.<\/p>\n

\"German
Germany is eyeing Australia’s MQ-28 ‘Ghost Bat’ drone to modernize its air forceImage: R. Ebbighausen\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Germany’s difficulty in finding\u00a0new position in a shifting global order became evident during the course of the defense minister’s tour. Germany has long relied on the United States for its security, and President Donald Trump has frequently\u00a0made a point of throwing the transatlantic NATO alliance into disarray.<\/p>\n

During his speeches, Pistorius invoked the idea of German self-reliance, suggesting a shift in focus.<\/p>\n

“We used to focus\u2026 on what is China<\/a> doing, what is Russia<\/a> doing, what is\u00a0the US<\/a> doing,” he told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia.<\/p>\n

Pistorius noted that these countries\u00a0are the world’s major powers, but when the “middle powers” stick together, rely on each other and are committed to what they want to achieve, they “are at least as strong” as the superpowers themselves.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Pistorius said he\u00a0knows that any kind of order is impossible without the involvement of the big players.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“An international order needs the superpowers,” Pistorius said during a Q&A session.<\/p>\n

“Those that already are \u2014 and those that aspire to be \u2014 must not only sit at the table but help shape it. But the priorities of this international order need to change, and it remains to be seen whether the superpowers are prepared to do so.”<\/p>\n

In this context, Pistorius has called\u00a0for more courage. He repeatedly compares certain international relationships to a toxic partnership<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Those who focus solely on their opponent or partner never act sovereignly. They are manipulated by fear. And decisions based on fear are always wrong.”<\/p>\n

\n

WEF 2026: Can Europe defend itself?<\/h2>\n

An alliance of middle powers\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Pistorius hinted throughout the tour that the world could soon seen\u00a0new alliances formed by\u00a0middle powers,\u00a0which could include countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia alongside Germany. The so\u2011called Global South<\/a> is also meant to be more closely involved.<\/p>\n

“I also believe that the countries of the Global South are thinking about having a different kind of influence \u2014 one they would understandably like to have. The question is how to ensure that,” Germany’s defense minister said.<\/p>\n

Countries\u00a0like Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and others have demanded a more inclusive order for some time.<\/p>\n

\"Defense
Pistorius (left) and Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy (right) test drive the Rheinmetall ‘Boxer’ wheeled armored vehicleImage: Darren England\/AAP\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2023, Pistorius visited India and Indonesia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Our connection, our strategic partnership, should and must gain more momentum \u2014 not only against the background of current developments in the region, but also worldwide,” he told reporters following a meeting\u00a0at the time with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.<\/p>\n

To what extent nuclear\u2011armed India \u2014 which traditionally maintains close military and political ties with Russia \u2014 shares Germany’s ideas for a new order remains unclear.<\/p>\n

India<\/a> primarily sees itself as a “trustee of the Global South,” according to a recent study<\/a> by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) titled “Multipolarities.”<\/p>\n

Because of its colonial past, New Delhi is extremely sensitive to any potential interference from outside or to prescriptions coming from the so\u2011called West.<\/p>\n

According to the SWP, India aims “to exercise greater shaping power in a multipolar order” and to become a major pole of power in its own right \u2014 particularly in the Indo\u2011Pacific.<\/p>\n

‘Shifting’ the global order<\/h2>\n

Looking at Pistorius’ statements during his Asia tour, it is clear he recognizes an erosion of the international order, and\u00a0also recognizes the need for its reform.<\/p>\n

“The first step is to agree that we need an international, rules\u2011based order,”\u00a0he said, adding that\u00a0if such an order is to be accepted, “then we must… shift the center of this order somewhat.”<\/p>\n

He described Russia\u00a0as “aggressive and revisionist,” and said China’s influence and aggression must also be met with a response. Last but not least, Pistorius also called for greater independence from the United States.<\/p>\n

The smallest common denominator for an alliance of middle powers would be\u00a0a shared commitment to an order they can all accept. Its core pillars would remain the UN Charter, the preservation of international law and the freedom of the seas.<\/p>\n

Bringing in like-minded countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia\u00a0looks comparatively easy. Persuading countries like India or Indonesia is likely to be more difficult.<\/p>\n

\n

German president: Iran war violates international law<\/h2>\n

This article was translated from German\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

\n

During his eight-day tour to the Indo-Pacific, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius<\/a> repeatedly emphasized the importance of the rules\u2011based international order \u2014 the shared structures\u00a0that have underpinned global cooperation for decades.<\/p>\n

Pistorius’ hosts in Japan<\/a>, Singapore<\/a> and Australia<\/a> readily seized on his remarks and emphasized how important this order is.<\/p>\n

In Canberra, for example, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the shared values of his country and Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“We respect the rule of law, both nationally and internationally,” he told a joint press conference in Parliament last Thursday. “The rules-based order<\/a> is deeply important to both of our countries…”<\/p>\n

At every public-facing meeting Pistorius held in the region, he and his interlocutors also stressed how the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparably linked.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Today’s world is becoming more and more networked \u2014 day by day, whether we like it or not,” Pistorius said in Canberra.\u00a0“Conflicts, economic crises, natural disasters \u2014 they occur in one region of the world, but their causes may lie in another far\u2011away region.”<\/p>\n

A new role for Germany?<\/h2>\n

But this constant invocation of the rules\u2011based order also reveals that leaders are more aware of how long\u2011held certainties are dissolving, while\u00a0new ones are only just emerging and have yet to be tested.<\/p>\n

\"German
Germany is eyeing Australia’s MQ-28 ‘Ghost Bat’ drone to modernize its air forceImage: R. Ebbighausen\/DW<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Germany’s difficulty in finding\u00a0new position in a shifting global order became evident during the course of the defense minister’s tour. Germany has long relied on the United States for its security, and President Donald Trump has frequently\u00a0made a point of throwing the transatlantic NATO alliance into disarray.<\/p>\n

During his speeches, Pistorius invoked the idea of German self-reliance, suggesting a shift in focus.<\/p>\n

“We used to focus\u2026 on what is China<\/a> doing, what is Russia<\/a> doing, what is\u00a0the US<\/a> doing,” he told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia.<\/p>\n

Pistorius noted that these countries\u00a0are the world’s major powers, but when the “middle powers” stick together, rely on each other and are committed to what they want to achieve, they “are at least as strong” as the superpowers themselves.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Pistorius said he\u00a0knows that any kind of order is impossible without the involvement of the big players.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“An international order needs the superpowers,” Pistorius said during a Q&A session.<\/p>\n

“Those that already are \u2014 and those that aspire to be \u2014 must not only sit at the table but help shape it. But the priorities of this international order need to change, and it remains to be seen whether the superpowers are prepared to do so.”<\/p>\n

In this context, Pistorius has called\u00a0for more courage. He repeatedly compares certain international relationships to a toxic partnership<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Those who focus solely on their opponent or partner never act sovereignly. They are manipulated by fear. And decisions based on fear are always wrong.”<\/p>\n

\n

WEF 2026: Can Europe defend itself?<\/h2>\n

An alliance of middle powers\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Pistorius hinted throughout the tour that the world could soon seen\u00a0new alliances formed by\u00a0middle powers,\u00a0which could include countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia alongside Germany. The so\u2011called Global South<\/a> is also meant to be more closely involved.<\/p>\n

“I also believe that the countries of the Global South are thinking about having a different kind of influence \u2014 one they would understandably like to have. The question is how to ensure that,” Germany’s defense minister said.<\/p>\n

Countries\u00a0like Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and others have demanded a more inclusive order for some time.<\/p>\n

\"Defense
Pistorius (left) and Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy (right) test drive the Rheinmetall ‘Boxer’ wheeled armored vehicleImage: Darren England\/AAP\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2023, Pistorius visited India and Indonesia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Our connection, our strategic partnership, should and must gain more momentum \u2014 not only against the background of current developments in the region, but also worldwide,” he told reporters following a meeting\u00a0at the time with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.<\/p>\n

To what extent nuclear\u2011armed India \u2014 which traditionally maintains close military and political ties with Russia \u2014 shares Germany’s ideas for a new order remains unclear.<\/p>\n

India<\/a> primarily sees itself as a “trustee of the Global South,” according to a recent study<\/a> by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) titled “Multipolarities.”<\/p>\n

Because of its colonial past, New Delhi is extremely sensitive to any potential interference from outside or to prescriptions coming from the so\u2011called West.<\/p>\n

According to the SWP, India aims “to exercise greater shaping power in a multipolar order” and to become a major pole of power in its own right \u2014 particularly in the Indo\u2011Pacific.<\/p>\n

‘Shifting’ the global order<\/h2>\n

Looking at Pistorius’ statements during his Asia tour, it is clear he recognizes an erosion of the international order, and\u00a0also recognizes the need for its reform.<\/p>\n

“The first step is to agree that we need an international, rules\u2011based order,”\u00a0he said, adding that\u00a0if such an order is to be accepted, “then we must… shift the center of this order somewhat.”<\/p>\n

He described Russia\u00a0as “aggressive and revisionist,” and said China’s influence and aggression must also be met with a response. Last but not least, Pistorius also called for greater independence from the United States.<\/p>\n

The smallest common denominator for an alliance of middle powers would be\u00a0a shared commitment to an order they can all accept. Its core pillars would remain the UN Charter, the preservation of international law and the freedom of the seas.<\/p>\n

Bringing in like-minded countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia\u00a0looks comparatively easy. Persuading countries like India or Indonesia is likely to be more difficult.<\/p>\n

\n

German president: Iran war violates international law<\/h2>\n

This article was translated from German\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

During his eight-day tour to the Indo-Pacific, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius<\/a> repeatedly emphasized the importance of the rules\u2011based international order \u2014 the shared structures\u00a0that have underpinned global cooperation for decades.<\/p>\n

Pistorius’ hosts in Japan<\/a>, Singapore<\/a> and Australia<\/a> readily seized on his remarks and emphasized how important this order is.<\/p>\n

In Canberra, for example, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted the shared values of his country and Germany<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“We respect the rule of law, both nationally and internationally,” he told a joint press conference in Parliament last Thursday. “The rules-based order<\/a> is deeply important to both of our countries…”<\/p>\n

At every public-facing meeting Pistorius held in the region, he and his interlocutors also stressed how the Indo-Pacific and Europe are inseparably linked.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Today’s world is becoming more and more networked \u2014 day by day, whether we like it or not,” Pistorius said in Canberra.\u00a0“Conflicts, economic crises, natural disasters \u2014 they occur in one region of the world, but their causes may lie in another far\u2011away region.”<\/p>\n

But this constant invocation of the rules\u2011based order also reveals that leaders are more aware of how long\u2011held certainties are dissolving, while\u00a0new ones are only just emerging and have yet to be tested.<\/p>\n

Germany’s difficulty in finding\u00a0new position in a shifting global order became evident during the course of the defense minister’s tour. Germany has long relied on the United States for its security, and President Donald Trump has frequently\u00a0made a point of throwing the transatlantic NATO alliance into disarray.<\/p>\n

During his speeches, Pistorius invoked the idea of German self-reliance, suggesting a shift in focus.<\/p>\n

“We used to focus\u2026 on what is China<\/a> doing, what is Russia<\/a> doing, what is\u00a0the US<\/a> doing,” he told reporters at the National Press Club of Australia.<\/p>\n

Pistorius noted that these countries\u00a0are the world’s major powers, but when the “middle powers” stick together, rely on each other and are committed to what they want to achieve, they “are at least as strong” as the superpowers themselves.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Pistorius said he\u00a0knows that any kind of order is impossible without the involvement of the big players.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“An international order needs the superpowers,” Pistorius said during a Q&A session.<\/p>\n

“Those that already are \u2014 and those that aspire to be \u2014 must not only sit at the table but help shape it. But the priorities of this international order need to change, and it remains to be seen whether the superpowers are prepared to do so.”<\/p>\n

In this context, Pistorius has called\u00a0for more courage. He repeatedly compares certain international relationships to a toxic partnership<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Those who focus solely on their opponent or partner never act sovereignly. They are manipulated by fear. And decisions based on fear are always wrong.”<\/p>\n

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n

Pistorius hinted throughout the tour that the world could soon seen\u00a0new alliances formed by\u00a0middle powers,\u00a0which could include countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia alongside Germany. The so\u2011called Global South<\/a> is also meant to be more closely involved.<\/p>\n

“I also believe that the countries of the Global South are thinking about having a different kind of influence \u2014 one they would understandably like to have. The question is how to ensure that,” Germany’s defense minister said.<\/p>\n

Countries\u00a0like Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey and others have demanded a more inclusive order for some time.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Pistorius visited India and Indonesia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Our connection, our strategic partnership, should and must gain more momentum \u2014 not only against the background of current developments in the region, but also worldwide,” he told reporters following a meeting\u00a0at the time with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.<\/p>\n

To what extent nuclear\u2011armed India \u2014 which traditionally maintains close military and political ties with Russia \u2014 shares Germany’s ideas for a new order remains unclear.<\/p>\n

India<\/a> primarily sees itself as a “trustee of the Global South,” according to a recent study<\/a> by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) titled “Multipolarities.”<\/p>\n

Because of its colonial past, New Delhi is extremely sensitive to any potential interference from outside or to prescriptions coming from the so\u2011called West.<\/p>\n

According to the SWP, India aims “to exercise greater shaping power in a multipolar order” and to become a major pole of power in its own right \u2014 particularly in the Indo\u2011Pacific.<\/p>\n

Looking at Pistorius’ statements during his Asia tour, it is clear he recognizes an erosion of the international order, and\u00a0also recognizes the need for its reform.<\/p>\n

“The first step is to agree that we need an international, rules\u2011based order,”\u00a0he said, adding that\u00a0if such an order is to be accepted, “then we must… shift the center of this order somewhat.”<\/p>\n

He described Russia\u00a0as “aggressive and revisionist,” and said China’s influence and aggression must also be met with a response. Last but not least, Pistorius also called for greater independence from the United States.<\/p>\n

The smallest common denominator for an alliance of middle powers would be\u00a0a shared commitment to an order they can all accept. Its core pillars would remain the UN Charter, the preservation of international law and the freedom of the seas.<\/p>\n

Bringing in like-minded countries such as Japan, Singapore and Australia\u00a0looks comparatively easy. Persuading countries like India or Indonesia is likely to be more difficult.<\/p>\n

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n

This article was translated from German\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

[analyse_source url=”https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germanys-pistorius-in-asia-warns-of-a-frayed-global-order\/a-76594988″]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76588447_6.jpg”] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5BNr2 Pistorius (right) has a vision for a new alliance of middle powers that includes Japan, Singapore and Australia alongside GermanyImage: R. Ebbighausen\/DW During his eight-day tour to the Indo-Pacific, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius repeatedly emphasized the importance of the rules\u2011based international order \u2014 the shared structures\u00a0that have underpinned global cooperation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1857136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1857136"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1857136\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1857136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1857136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1857136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}