The U.S. system of governance is driving the world towards destruction: German President

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has issued a stark warning about the destabilising impact of current United States foreign policy, urging the international community to safeguard the rules-based global order. Speaking at a Berlin symposium on the night of Wednesday, 7 January, Steinmeier sharply criticised the Trump administration, asserting that its actions are pushing the world towards chaos.

“The behaviour of the present US administration is driving the global system to the brink of destruction,” he told attendees. He called on nations to prevent the world from turning into a “den of thieves,” where unscrupulous powers seize whatever they wish without regard for international law or ethical norms.

The former German Foreign Minister did not mince his words, emphasising that global democracy is under unprecedented attack. Pointing to recent US efforts to unseat Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Steinmeier described such moves as a “historic rupture” in international norms. He compared this disruption to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, arguing that both actions represent severe threats to global stability.

Steinmeier stressed that the era in which a handful of major powers treat other countries and regions as personal possessions must end immediately. While the German presidency is largely ceremonial, his forceful remarks have resonated widely across Germany, prompting vigorous public debate.

Public sentiment in Germany reflects growing unease over American reliability as an ally. A recent survey conducted by the public broadcaster ARD reveals a sharp decline in confidence toward the United States:

According to the survey, 76% of Germans no longer consider the United States a dependable partner, while the majority express strong confidence in France and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, 69% of respondents voiced significant concern over whether America, despite being NATO’s most powerful member, would uphold its security commitments.

Steinmeier’s remarks and the survey findings highlight a growing gap between US foreign policy decisions and the expectations of traditional allies. Analysts suggest that, if left unaddressed, this erosion of trust could have far-reaching consequences for transatlantic relations and the broader international order.