US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Western civilisation is at a critical turning point, calling for greater emphasis on national power, technological innovation and stronger alliances to address emerging global threats.
“We are at an inflection point… not only in the history of my nation but an inflection point in the whole of our civilisation,” Rubio said during a speech in Athens beneath the Acropolis.
Rubio argued that Western countries must strengthen their national capabilities and embrace technological innovation or risk a prolonged period of decline.
“Either we choose to act now, or lose the choice to act at all,” he said.
The US secretary of state said Washington had chosen to pursue greater national power by securing critical supply chains, rebuilding domestic industry, strengthening defence capabilities and competing for leadership in emerging technologies.
“There is new competition between great powers again,” Rubio said, pointing to what he described as growing vulnerability, aggression, terrorism and other emerging security threats.
He called for Western countries to strengthen institutions and alliances to respond collectively to these challenges.
Rubio said he had seen what he described as encouraging developments in Europe, including increased defence spending, new partnerships and programmes, and efforts to expand manufacturing and industrial production.
He expressed hope that Europe could increase its strategic capabilities and play a more active role in addressing security challenges.
“We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and rekindle the fire that was lit here millennia ago,” Rubio said.
His remarks followed a speech in February in which he argued that Europe faced challenges from mass immigration and called on European countries to protect what he described as Christian civilisation.
Rubio, who arrived in Greece from Iceland as part of a European tour, highlighted the importance of the US alliance with Greece.
He pointed to cooperation in the energy sector and announced a joint agreement on information-sharing related to drug trafficking and terrorism.
“As you see a world that faces… destabilising events, you recognise how important this alliance with Greece is to the United States,” Rubio said, referring to conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Rubio took part in a strategic dialogue with Greek officials focused on regional and energy security amid heightened tensions linked to conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine.
He was also scheduled to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before travelling to Lisbon.
Rubio also addressed the situation in the Middle East, saying Iran had “lost complete control” of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
His comments came as Washington continued efforts to address the conflict and its wider economic consequences ahead of key US legislative elections.
The wars involving Iran and Ukraine have highlighted vulnerabilities in global energy supply routes.
Greece has sought to strengthen its position as an important energy hub for southeastern Europe, particularly through the transportation of natural gas, making energy security a central element of its discussions with Washington.
