German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for serious reflection on a new reality in which the U.S. may not seek to be the world leader.
“We grew up with a certain understanding that the United States wanted to be a world power. If the United States wishes to withdraw from this role of its own volition, we will have to reflect on that seriously,” Merkel said.
In an interview with six European newspapers, including The Guardian, the German Chancellor also clarified that U.S. troops not only help protect European countries that are members of NATO, but also Washington’s interests. Nevertheless, she promised to continue with the development of German military capabilities.
© AP PHOTO / EVAN VUCCI In addition, the Chancellor added that there are “good reasons” to maintain the commitment to NATO and the “common nuclear protective shield. But, of course, Europe has to contribute more than in the Cold War.”
After U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would reduce the number of his troops because “Germany is delinquent in its NATO payments,” but that “it pays Russia,” German Ambassador to the U.S. Emily Haber responded that U.S. troops are in Germany not to provide protection to the country, but to maintain transatlantic security.
In September 2019, Merkel said that Europe needs to think about its own security because the U.S. will not protect it “automatically” as they did during the Cold War.
