Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Europe to “awaken from its long slumber” Wednesday, delivering a forceful defense of national sovereignty and Western civilization from the birthplace of democracy in Athens.
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Speaking from the Pnyx, where ancient Athenians gathered for their democratic assembly, Rubio argued that Western nations have weakened themselves by allowing nationalism to become a “dirty word,” opening their borders, outsourcing industry and neglecting their militaries.
“It’s become fashionable today to believe that enlightened foreign policy means prioritizing the global community over one’s own people,” Rubio said.
Rubio pointed to ancient Greece as evidence that loyalty to one’s country and the pursuit of national interests are not incompatible with cooperation among allies.
The secretary of state warned that the West has reached a consequential crossroads amid renewed competition among major powers, terrorism and other security threats.
“Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads, because the next decade and the decisions we make will write the story of the next century,” Rubio said.
Under President Donald Trump, Rubio said, the United States has chosen the “unapologetic pursuit of national power,” including rebuilding domestic industry, strengthening the military, securing critical supply chains and competing for leadership in emerging technologies.
Rubio also pointed to rising European defense spending, new partnerships and increased manufacturing as encouraging signs that the continent may be changing course.
“We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and rekindle the fire that was lit here millennia ago,” Rubio said.
The address sharpened a message Rubio delivered at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, where he maintained that the United States and Europe “belong together” while warning Washington would not preside over what he called the West’s “managed decline.”
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