Why Europe must accept blame for erosion of the global order
South China Morning Post
by Tian ShichenFebruary 18, 2026
At the opening of the Munich Security Conference this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the rules-based international order is eroding before our eyes. His remarks echoed the conference’s annual report, which painted a picture of fragmentation and disorder.
His remarks also echoed a growing anxiety across Europe: that the system built after 1945 is eroding under the weight of geopolitical rivalry, economic coercion and military confrontation. However, to many observers, Europe’s...
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/18/2026