New Delhi: Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while delivering the inaugural Dr. Manmohan Singh lecture, said global multilateralism is under severe threat, citing recent geopolitical events and unilateral actions by the United States.
Referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Merkel noted that the violation of territorial integrity has destabilized European security. “The right of territorial integrity and sovereignty was trampled. Multilateralism as a concept for our cooperation is under pressure,” she said, highlighting the fragility of the current global order.
Merkel specifically criticised the US under former President Donald Trump for weakening key international organisations, including the WHO, the World Trade Organization, and the Paris Climate Agreement. “They even question the role of the UN or replace it with unilateral action. The previous order of cooperation is being replaced by one in which might makes right,” she said.
The former chancellor made a strong appeal for renewed commitment to multilateralism, warning that abandoning global cooperation in an era of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions is not an option.