Western civilisation at risk of 'atrophy, servitude and decline', Rubio says
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech in Athens warning that Western civilization faces a decline due to a loss of traditional values and national identity. He advocated for a return to classical statecraft and renewed national pride to counter global threats.
Why it matters
The speech signals a potential shift in foreign policy rhetoric, emphasizing nationalism and cultural preservation as central pillars of Western stability.
Image source, Getty Images By Ana Faguy Published 13 minutes ago Standing before the Acropolis in Athens, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio swept through the history of ancient Greece to the rise of American industry in a speech on Wednesday that portrayed western civilisation at risk of decline.
Rubio said the world was at an "inflection point". Nations, particularly in Europe, should return to ancient Greek values and "rebuild our institutions and our alliances to face these threats together".
"We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and rekindle the fire that was here millennia ago," he said.
While he spoke of cooperation, Rubio also said "nations need not abandon their distinct identities in order to recognise their common interests".
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