But on the demise of the previous world order – underwritten by US-led institutions and alliances – Washington seems in sync. “A divide has opened up between Europe and the United States,” Merz said. “The United States’ claim to leadership has been challenged, and possibly lost,” he said. “In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone,” Merz cautioned. Today only the United States can stop Putin.

Source: CNN February 14, 2026 16:22 UTC