Foreign leaders are expressing strong criticism towards President Donald Trump, characterizing his actions as transforming the global landscape into a “robber’s den.” French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have both raised concerns about the deteriorating rules-based international order, as reported by The Guardian.
Over the weekend, a controversial event unfolded when Trump took military action in Venezuela, capturing former President Nicolás Maduro. This incident has provoked further discussions among Trump’s advisers about the prospect of “buying” Greenland, even as the Greenlandic population seeks greater independence.
Macron voiced his concerns, asserting that while the United States is a longstanding global power, it appears to be distancing itself from traditional allies and straying from the international norms it previously championed. “We are living in a world of great powers, with a real temptation to divide up the world,” he stated, warning that multilateral institutions are becoming increasingly ineffective.
In his remarks, Macron emphasized France’s rejection of a new form of colonialism and a reliance on major powers like the US and China. He underscored the importance of achieving greater strategic autonomy for Europe, reflecting a desire to strengthen regional unity and independence.
Steinmeier, speaking at an event to commemorate his 70th birthday, highlighted the threats facing global democracy, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and what he termed a significant “epochal rupture” stemming from US actions. He lamented a perceived breakdown of principles by the United States, which played a crucial role in establishing the current world order.
“The world must be prevented from becoming a robber’s den, where the most unscrupulous take whatever they want,” Steinmeier stressed, cautioning that smaller nations risk becoming “completely defenseless” and vulnerable to domination by a few powerful states.
Steinmeier called for European nations to come together and reassess their policies to ensure they are taken seriously on the global stage, particularly in military matters. “We must not be weak,” he asserted, indicating a desire for solidarity among European allies in facing these challenges.
This discourse reflects a growing concern among European leaders regarding the stability of international relations and the need for a unified approach to maintain global order and prevent the rise of unilateralism.