In his remarks, Prof. Koch acknowledged the need for reform and new ideas, and posed the question of what modern liberalism could mean for the future: “Because the answer cannot be to say, well, everything was okay.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons for international skepticism.
Koch balanced the concept of globalization and free markets with the need for control and prosperity for people, noting that globalization itself cannot “deliver prosperity without setbacks.” The question for Koch is how international organizations and cooperation can help foster the necessary change. In his view, even the U.S. cannot prosper in isolation, and Europe needs international cooperation.
Koch pointed out that Europeans must “do their homework” to guarantee prosperity and strength. To be accepted and relevant at the table where a future world order is coordinated, “it is not enough to blame others.” Part of this, he argued, is that Europeans must learn that economic power without military power is unsustainable—and that they are currently paying a high price for this.
