Macron Warns of a World Without Rules at Davos

Macron’s Stark Warning: The World Is Sliding Into “Lawless Power”

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered an urgent message at the World Economic Forum in Davos: the world is drifting toward “a world without rules.” His speech underscored growing global instability, rising nationalism, and a power struggle echoing the darker chapters of 20th-century geopolitics.

“The principle guiding the world today,” Macron warned, “appears to be that of the most powerful, not the most just.” His comments resonated in a forum traditionally known for optimism about global cooperation.

Tensions Flare Between Paris and Washington

Macron’s speech came amid mounting transatlantic friction with the United States. Relations between Paris and Washington reached a new low following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 200% tariffs on French wines and champagnes.

Adding to the diplomatic storm:

Trump publicly released private text messages from Macron questioning U.S. policy toward Greenland.
Macron refused to join Trump’s new “Board of Peace” initiative focused on Gaza.
Officials in Paris called the U.S. trade threats “unacceptable” and vowed to respond “firmly but proportionally.”

This dispute fits a broader European frustration over what Macron describes as America’s retreat from international rules and its growing unilateralism.

Europe Pushes Back: A United Front Against Pressure

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also speaking in Davos, promised a “united and proportional” response to U.S. tariff threats. Brussels is preparing an emergency summit to coordinate strategy and show solidarity with France.

EU to Deploy Its “Anti-Coercion Instrument”

France is lobbying for the activation of this powerful economic tool—sometimes called the EU’s “trade bazooka.” The mechanism allows the EU to retaliate collectively against economic coercion by outside powers.

In this case, Washington’s threats over Greenland, a Danish territory Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring, might trigger such a response.

A Battle Over Global Rules and European Strength

Macron’s Davos message wasn’t just about tariffs—it was a call to redefine Europe’s place in a changing world. He emphasized that Europe must:

Assert its economic independence.
Strengthen defense and technology sectors.
Uphold international law against “imperial ambitions.”

“Europe cannot remain a spectator,” Macron said. “We must become an actor, a pole of stability and balance.”

The Bigger Picture: A Fractured Global Order

Macron’s remarks reflect wider concerns that the postwar international system is weakening. From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to global trade rivalries, the rule-based order is under pressure.

Leaders in Davos discussed whether the world is entering a “multi-polar” era—one shaped by competition between major powers rather than coordinated governance.

For Macron, that risk is existential: Europe must act, or others will shape the rules for it.