Amidst ongoing global instability, a recent discussion hosted by ZDF journalist maybrit Illner brought together leading german political figures to debate the evolving international landscape. The panel,featuring Foreign Minister annalena Baerbock alongside experts from across the political spectrum,centered on flashpoints including Iran,Greenland,and Venezuela – and the potential for a realignment of global power dynamics following the trump presidency. The debate underscored growing concerns about European security and the need for a more assertive foreign policy as customary alliances are reassessed.
Geopolitical tensions, including concerns over Iran, Greenland, and Venezuela, were central to a recent discussion featuring German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The debate highlighted differing views on the role of international law and the need for a more assertive European foreign policy.
The discussion, hosted by ZDF journalist Maybrit Illner, focused on a range of global hotspots – from Iran and Greenland to Venezuela – and whether these represent a new world order shaped by former U.S. President Trump. Participants included UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, CDU foreign policy expert Norbert Röttgen, Green Party Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour, military expert Carlo Masala, and journalist Melanie Amann of Funke Zentralredaktion.
Baerbock, participating remotely from New York, strongly defended the United Nations as a crucial guardian of international law.
“The UN Charter is not a wish list, but a lesson learned from two world wars. The law of the strong leads to disaster. Especially the veto powers have a responsibility to protect this order,” she argued. Baerbock maintained that “true strength can only be demonstrated militarily when it takes place within the framework of international law.”
Baerbock advocated for a shift in strategic thinking, arguing that the decline of traditional power blocs is creating new opportunities – “a chance for many medium-sized countries” – with whom cooperation is possible. She cited Egypt as an example. Europe, she said, should capitalize on these opportunities through new forms of cooperation with Africa and broader alliances with nations in the Global South.
“And Europe shouldn’t sleep on this and simply watch as others become active, but actively help forge these broader alliances,” Baerbock stated.
Journalist Amann challenged this view, suggesting that appeals to international law and a multilateral order, while well-intentioned, were “simply gray theory” and lacked practical impact.
“Just Wine-Sipping Know-It-Alls”
Amann argued that the United Nations – particularly in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict – had significantly “lost credibility and enforcement power.” She claimed the White House now views Europe with contempt rather than partnership, perceiving the EU as moralizing, comfortable, and politically ineffective. “For them, we are just wine-sipping know-it-alls, lounging in the Mediterranean sun at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
This harsh assessment, she insisted, must be acknowledged as reality.
Military expert Masala presented another stark assessment, asserting that U.S. strategy isn’t driven by economic or security interests, but rather by a simple desire “to expand the territory of the United States.”
CDU politician Norbert Röttgen stated that if Greenland and Denmark were to accept a U.S. purchase offer, “Greenland would be sold just as Alaska was sold by the Russians to the Americans.” However, Röttgen expressed skepticism that such a sale would occur. Illner pressed him on this point, asking, “Why do you believe that’s impossible?”
“Because they love their country, they are patriots,” Röttgen replied, adding, “I wouldn’t sell any part of Germany, even for $100 million.”
Röttgen Calls for a “European Will to Power”
Röttgen echoed Masala’s view that Trump aims to expand U.S. territory with Greenland. “He wants to enlarge America, he wants to expand America,” and Greenland is the target, he said.
A central conclusion of the discussion was that, whether in Greenland or Ukraine, Europe must organize its own security in the future, as the United States is no longer a reliable protector. “And that’s why we now need a European will to power,” Röttgen declared. This sentiment reflects growing concerns about the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for greater European autonomy.
While the €90 billion committed to Ukraine was described as an important step – arguably essential for the country’s military survival – a crucial opportunity was missed. The German Chancellor’s attempt to utilize Russian state assets demonstrated political courage and leadership, but failed due to resistance from several European states.
“We are very good at always taking on debt for the next generation, instead of demonstrating this power,” Röttgen said.
Omid Nouripour of the Green Party largely agreed with Röttgen, stating that Europe can only prevent itself from becoming a pawn of major powers if it asserts its own claim to power – and translates that claim into action. To survive in the global arena, Germany must become a major power, Nouripour concluded.
