US top diplomat declares end of old world, urges global reassessment

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the “old world is gone,” arguing that rapid global transformations are forcing nations to reassess their positions and responsibilities in what he described as a new geopolitical era.

“The world is changing very fast right in front of us. The old world is gone – frankly, the world that I grew up in – and we live in a new era in geopolitics,” Rubio told reporters ahead of the Munich Security Conference.

He stressed that the pace of change requires governments and allied nations to reconsider their strategic roles. The transformation, he said, compels leaders to “reexamine what that looks like and what our role is going to be,” adding that such deliberations are already taking place in private consultations with partners.

Rubio characterized the Munich gathering as occurring at a “defining moment,” expressing hope that meetings with allies would help advance ongoing diplomatic efforts.

On the sidelines of the conference, Rubio expects to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that the meeting is likely to take place as part of his schedule.

Addressing Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine during the winter months, Rubio described the humanitarian toll as severe.

“It’s a war. That’s why we want the war to end. People are suffering. It’s the coldest time of year. It’s unimaginable suffering. That’s the problem with wars. That’s why wars are bad, and that’s why we have worked so hard for over a year now to try to bring this one to an end,” he said.

Turning to his planned meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Rubio explained that the visit forms part of previously discussed bilateral engagement. Hungarian officials traveled to the United States late last year, he noted, and he had indicated that he would reciprocate when circumstances allowed, describing the current trip as a practical opportunity to do so.

Following his engagements in Hungary, Rubio is scheduled to visit Slovakia, continuing diplomatic contacts initiated during meetings last year.

He dismissed suggestions that his recent travel indicated any US disengagement from Europe, emphasizing that Washington remains closely connected to the continent.

Asked whether he intended to press Hungary and Slovakia to halt purchases of Russian energy, Rubio said such matters would be addressed in private discussions and declined to elaborate further.

By Vafa Guliyeva