“Can Europe Act?”: a Conversation with Olaf Scholz at the Global Leaders Forum

Columbia’s World Leaders Forum welcomed former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Morningside campus for a discussion titled “Can Europe Act? Power and Sovereignty in a Fragmenting World.” Opening remarks were delivered by Claire Shipman, Acting President of Columbia University, and the conversation was led by the historian and head of the European Institute Adam Tooze.

Framed around the idea of “leading through rupture,” the discussion focused on the challenges of governing during a period marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, economic shocks, and shifting geopolitical weight. Scholz described how globalization has reshaped the balance of power, with countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America gaining demographic and political significance. For Europe, this changing landscape presents both a challenge and an opportunity: building deeper cooperation and trust with democratic partners in the Global South while acknowledging the enduring legacy of colonial history.

Turning to domestic politics, Scholz addressed the rise of populism across wealthy democracies and the widening divide between highly educated populations and workers who feel politically and culturally displaced. He elaborated on what he perceives as the meritocracy trap, noting how mass access to higher education has altered social expectations without resolving inequality. Progressive politics, he argued, must grapple with this reality and rebuild trust through policies that deliver tangible results at the local level.

Reflecting on past crises, including the Eurozone crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Scholz emphasized that effective policy can restore confidence. He cited short-term work allowances and joint European borrowing as examples of moments when coordinated action met urgent needs. On Ukraine, he expressed confidence that Russia would not prevail and that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union, though this will require long-term financial and security commitments from Europe.

The conversation also touched on Europe’s energy market, nuclear policy, the implications of October 7, and the importance of local governance, drawing on Scholz’s experience as mayor of Hamburg. The lively discussion overall captured how democratic legitimacy depends on governments’ ability to match ambitious regulation with visible, practical outcomes in citizens’ lives.

The full discussion is available to watch online at the link below: https://worldleaders.columbia.edu/content/olaf-scholz-former-chancellor-federal-republic-germany

The event was co-sponsored by the World Leaders Forum, in coordination with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and Columbia partners.