For decades, Germany has been able to rely on the US. But the world power is beleaguered and concentrating on its national interests as well as its conflict with China. The belief that the US is acting in Germany's interests as well is a transatlantic illusion. Germany needs to become more independent: militarily, politically, economically. This will not happen overnight. But if Germany doesn't start now, it will be on the losing side of the new world order and will squander away the foundations on which its prosperity has been built.