Trump’s Threats Shake Foundations of Global Order

A series of coordinated attacks on vehicles across Germany has been attributed to Russian operatives, according to investigative findings reported by DER SPIEGEL. The incidents involved vandalizing exhaust pipes with foam and placing fake stickers of Robert Habeck, the German Vice Chancellor, on victims' windows, resembling tactics used by radical climate activists. Authorities have expressed deep concerns over the potential intent behind these acts, which have led to significant public outrage and disruption. "What initially appeared to be the work of environmental extremists may be part of a broader strategy by foreign actors to incite chaos and unrest in Germany," said a security analyst commenting on the situation. Investigators are looking into the network of individuals believed to be behind these actions, which could indicate a sophisticated campaign aimed at undermining public confidence in domestic governance. The incidents highlight ongoing global tensions, particularly in the context of Russia's influence in Western European affairs.

In a recent interview, historian Andreas Rödder emphasized that the risk of a world war is very real, amidst the disintegration of the existing world order and escalating tensions between East and West. Rödder, a professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, attributed the current geopolitical landscape to the residual imperial notions in Russia and China following the Cold War, citing the unresolved defeat of the Soviet Union as a primary cause of its resurgence. Rödder argues that the idea of relying solely on military deterrence is insufficient to address these challenges. He highlighted that the West, particularly the U.S., must demonstrate internal and external strength to counter the ambitions of revisionist powers like Russia, Iran, and China. According to Rödder, the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East share a thematic core: a struggle over hegemonic influence. He further noted that Western societies face significant political polarization, undermining their resilience. To navigate these turbulent waters, Rödder advocates for a revival of the principles of civil society that prioritize individual merit over collective ideologies, which he believes can foster stability and effective governance in the West.

In a recent Instagram post commemorating the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made no mention of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, eliciting criticism from various quarters. According to WELT columnist Mirna Funk, Scholz's omission reflects a broader trend where contemporary remembrances fail to focus on the Jewish community that should be central to such observances. Funk argues that the phrase "Never again," which has historically underscored the commitment to prevent future atrocities, no longer resonates fully with the original intent of protecting the Jewish people. She notes that this shift may stem from a psychological distancing from historical events, as contemporary discourses increasingly dilute the specific historical context of antisemitism. The column raises important questions regarding the evolution of Holocaust remembrance in Germany, suggesting that a more intentional acknowledgment of Jewish suffering is necessary to honor the memory of those who perished during the genocide. As debates continue around how societies confront their histories, the implications of Scholz's remarks are likely to persist in discussions about Holocaust education and remembrance.