In an era of rapid geopolitical realignment, the West’s once-unrivaled influence is facing unprecedented scrutiny. Recent statements from world leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have spotlighted a perceived erosion of Western relevance, particularly in Europe. Netanyahu’s sharp rebuke of Europe’s role—or lack thereof—in Middle East peace efforts, coupled with Merz’s alarm over the declining allure of liberal democracy, paint a picture of a West struggling to maintain its soft power. Soft power, the ability to attract and persuade through culture, values, and diplomacy rather than coercion, has long been the West’s hallmark. Yet, as autocracies rise and internal divisions deepen, questions abound: Is the West truly fading from the global stage?
Netanyahu’s Blunt Assessment: Europe’s “Irrelevance”
On October 5, 2025, Netanyahu delivered a pointed critique during an interview, accusing Europe of sidelining itself in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. He argued that the European Union’s absence stems from yielding to “Palestinian terrorism and radical Islamist minorities,” rendering the continent “essentially irrelevant” and demonstrating “enormous weakness.” This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership on a 20-point plan aimed at demilitarizing Gaza and excluding Hamas from future governance, which Netanyahu praised as “realistic.”
Claims
To verify Netanyahu’s assertions, consider the timeline: The EU has indeed been notably absent from direct talks. While the U.S. unveiled its plan emphasizing hostage releases and Hamas’s disarmament, European diplomats have focused on humanitarian aid corridors and calls for restraint, without proposing a comprehensive framework. Fifteen EU member states recognized Palestine as a state earlier in 2025, a move Netanyahu labeled an “ultimate reward” to extremists, potentially incentivizing further violence like the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Public reactions on social platforms echo this frustration. Recent posts highlight Netanyahu’s broadcast of his UN speech into Gaza via loudspeakers, underscoring Israel’s proactive stance while portraying Europe as passive. One analyst noted, “Europe’s theatrics in Gaza are just another chapter in the script of imperial distraction,” pointing to broader perceptions of continental inaction.
Does This Signal Broader Irrelevance?
Netanyahu’s words aren’t isolated hyperbole; they reflect a pattern. Europe’s divided responses—ranging from France and Germany’s cautious support for Israel to Spain and Ireland’s stronger pro-Palestinian leanings—have diluted its collective voice. This fragmentation weakens diplomatic leverage, allowing the U.S. to dominate narratives. In soft power terms, Europe’s failure to broker visible progress erodes trust among allies like Israel, who now view the continent as unreliable. If Europe continues prioritizing internal consensus over bold action, it risks ceding ground to more assertive players.
Merz’s Wake-Up Call:
Just days earlier, on October 3, 2025, during Germany’s 35th reunification anniversary, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of a “visibly declining” appeal for the “free West.” He highlighted emerging “alliances of autocracies” challenging liberal democracy, not just externally but from “within.” Merz urged Europe to project its “best face” against this “axis,” echoing French President Emmanuel Macron’s calls for resolve against authoritarian “dark enlightenment.”
Unpacking the Facts
Merz’s speech aligns with 2025 data: The Global Soft Power Index ranks the U.S. and EU lower than in previous years, with Europe dropping due to perceived economic stagnation and policy inconsistencies. Autocratic blocs, including Russia-China partnerships, have expanded influence in Africa and Latin America through infrastructure deals, outpacing Western aid tied to human rights conditions. Internally, populist surges in Romania—where a court annulled election results over fraud—exemplify the threats Merz described.
Social media discourse amplifies these concerns, with users decrying Europe’s “weakness” in countering such alliances. One post framed it as: “Europe must grow stronger to defend against an axis of autocratic nations targeting liberal democracy.”
Internal Erosion and External Pressures
Merz’s critique underscores a paradox: The West’s soft power thrives on emulating values like freedom and rule of law, yet domestic polarization—fueled by migration debates and economic inequality—undermines this model. A 2025 poll shows 76 countries viewing U.S. leadership less favorably, citing “inconsistent foreign policies.” For Europe, this manifests in hesitancy on global issues, from Ukraine aid to Gaza mediation, fostering perceptions of retreat.
Vance and Putin’s Perspectives
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance reinforced this narrative in a May 2025 Naval Academy address, declaring the “era of uncontested U.S. dominance is over.” He pointed to threats from China and Russia in domains like supply chains and space, criticizing past overreliance on “soft power” and “meddling” in non-core interests. Trump’s administration, Vance pledged, would pivot to decisive action.
From Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club on October 2, 2025, framed multipolarity as a backlash to “Western hegemony.” He cited Romania’s election annulment as evidence of declining Western democracy, arguing the global order is shifting toward polycentrism.
European Policies:
EU strategies, while well-intentioned, often prioritize harmony over impact, leading to paralysis.
- Fragmented Foreign Policy: With 27 members, consensus-building delays responses. In Gaza, this meant reactive statements rather than proactive diplomacy.
- Overemphasis on Regulation: The EU’s focus on green deals and digital rules bolsters internal resilience but neglects global outreach, allowing China to dominate Belt and Road initiatives.
- Human Rights Double Standards: Condemning authoritarianism selectively—fiercely on Ukraine but mildly on Gaza—erodes credibility.
A 2025 analysis warns the EU risks “permanent dependence” without strategic autonomy, as U.S. retrenchment under Trump exposes these gaps. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed this, calling the bloc “doomed to irrelevance” amid U.S.-China rivalry.
| Policy Area | EU Approach | Consequence for Soft Power |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East Diplomacy | Aid-focused, divided stances | Perceived as weak bystander |
| Economic Engagement | Conditioned investments | Loss of influence in Global South |
| Defense Autonomy | Incremental steps | Overreliance on NATO, signaling hesitation |
Broader Reasons:
Beyond leadership critiques, structural factors accelerate this trend:
- Rise of Autocratic Alternatives: China’s holistic soft power—via media like CGTN and cultural exchanges—has surpassed Western efforts, with polling showing a “profound shift” in perceptions. Russia leverages narratives of multipolarity to appeal to non-aligned nations.
- Internal Divisions and Polarization: U.S. funding cuts to cultural diplomacy have created vacuums filled by rivals. In Europe, migration and inequality fuel populism, tarnishing the liberal model’s shine.
- Neglect of Cultural Export: Hollywood and tech once defined Western allure, but domestic focus has waned this edge. A Reddit thread captured sentiment: “American soft power is being steadily wiped out.”
- Economic Stagnation: Europe’s growth lags, reducing its model’s appeal. Merz himself implored reforms to avoid “economic slide.”
The 2025 Soft Power Index confirms: The West’s score dipped 15% year-over-year, with familiarity not translating to favorability.
Reclaiming Relevance
The West’s soft power isn’t irretrievably lost—it’s evolving. To counter Netanyahu and Merz’s warnings, Europe must unify on foreign policy, invest in narrative-building (e.g., via digital diplomacy), and demonstrate values through action, like equitable global partnerships. As Vance signals a U.S. pivot, transatlantic coordination could rebuild momentum.
In Putin’s multipolar vision, the West has a choice: Adapt or fade. By addressing internal frailties and projecting unified strength, it can rediscover its persuasive edge. The global arena awaits—will the West step up?
