# Rubio: Western Nations Weakened by Nationalism > Secretary of State Rubio warns Western nations weakened themselves by making nationalism a dirty word. - Title: Rubio: Western Nations Weakened by Nationalism | Shortify - Summary: Secretary of State Rubio warns Western nations weakened themselves by making nationalism a dirty word. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues Western… - Keywords: marco rubio, secretary of state, western civilization, nationalism, greek democracy, pnyx, counterterrorism, texas religious liberty, christian faith, united states, nato, military strength - Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/national/rubio-from-athens-west-weakened-itself-by-making-nationalism-a-dirty-word - Author: Dallas Express - Published: 2026-10-07T18:10:09+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: marco rubio, secretary of state, western civilization, nationalism, greek democracy, pnyx, counterterrorism, texas religious liberty, christian faith, united states, nato, military strength ## Rubio's Athens Speech Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Pnyx in Athens on October 7, 2026, arguing Western nations weakened themselves by making nationalism a dirty word. > Nationalism became a dirty word. So we tore down our monuments, we condemned our own history, and in too many places we taught our children to be ashamed of the countries they would inherit. ## Nationalism as Selfish Rubio rejected the idea that prioritizing national interests is inherently selfish, stating ancient Greeks knew loyalty to one's nation was not selfish or wrong. > The ancient Greeks, he said, knew that there was nothing selfish or wrong about loyalty to your nation, nor in fighting to defend its interests above all else. ## Sovereignty Transfer Rubio criticized the transfer of authority from national governments to international institutions, saying Western nations outsourced sovereignty to global bureaucracies. > And with every passing year, we seemed to outsource more of our sovereignty, transferring our decisions to global bureaucracies far beyond the reach of our control. ## Crossroads for Western Power Rubio framed the next decade as critical for Western power, warning of atrophy, servitude, and decline if the West fails to rebuild its institutions. > Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The next decade will write the story of the next century. The course we take will determine whether the West maintains its place at the head of the world, or resigns itself to a future of atrophy, servitude, and decline. ## U.S. National Power Under President Trump, Rubio stated the U.S. chose the unapologetic pursuit of national power, including reindustrialization and military rebuilding. > We choose the unapologetic pursuit of national power. ## Counterterrorism Cooperation Rubio announced a U.S.-Greece memorandum of understanding to strengthen counterterrorism information sharing between law enforcement agencies. > As part of our efforts to combat these common threats to our nations, we're proud to announce a new memorandum of understanding establishing a joint security program to strengthen the counterterrorism information sharing between our respective law enforcement agencies. ## Christian Faith Connection Rubio linked Christian sacrifice to Western civilization, citing martyrs, American history, and the Declaration of Independence. > The Christian martyr who refused to betray his faith, the patriot who gave his life for his country, Saint Thomas More, the Battle of the Alamo, and the closing words of the Declaration of Independence: We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. ## Texas Religious Debate Texas continues debate over Christianity's role in public life, with religious liberty as a key issue in state politics. > Our founders mentioned it in the 1st Amendment as the first freedom. ## Western Identity Rubio emphasized Western civilization's shared history, Christian faith, and sacrifices as bonds between nations. > We are part of one civilization, Western civilization. We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together. ## What Happens Next Western nations must rebuild institutions and alliances to face new threats, including military and economic competition. > We believe that Europe can awaken from its long slumber and rekindle the fire that was lit here millennia ago. ## Key takeaway Secretary of State Marco Rubio argues Western countries weakened themselves by abandoning nationalism, leading to border openings, industrial outsourcing, and military decline.