According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on October 7, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Rubio delivered a speech in front of the Acropolis of Athens that covered the history of ancient Greece to the rise of American industry, and described Western civilization as 'facing the risk of decline'.
Rubio said that the world is at a "turning point." Countries, especially European countries, should return to the values of ancient Greece and "rebuild our systems and alliances to face these threats together."
He said, “We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and reignite the flames that existed here thousands of years ago.”
Rubio is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in 2028. He talked about the dangers faced by the world in his eyes, such as Iran's 'radicals' and suicide bombers.
But most of his speech focused on a broader threat, and described the current period as a “crossroads”.
He said, “The path we choose will determine whether the West maintains its leading position in the world, or whether it allows itself to move towards a future of decline, slavery, and degeneration. The next decade will mark the story of the coming century.”
Rubio called for Europe to return to the classical understanding of politics and governance that the Trump administration aims to re-establish.
Rubio criticized that the term ‘nationalism’ has become a dirty word: ‘Thus we destroy our own monuments. We condemn our own history, and in too many places, we teach children to feel ashamed of the country they are to inherit. In this process, we open our borders, outsource industries, and let the military shrink and decline.’
The BBC reported that Rubio’s boss, U.S. President Donald Trump, has been trying to implement the “America First” agenda during both of his terms in office, and has taken a more confrontational stance towards traditional allies and long-term trade relationships. Just six months ago, Trump once again threatened to withdraw the United States from NATO. He frequently criticizes NATO and urges its members to make greater contributions to national defense.
