Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Western nations to reclaim the foundational traits of ambition, individuality, and national loyalty that originated in ancient Greece during a speech delivered Wednesday evening in Athens.

Speaking from the Pnyx hill, the site of Athens' ancient democratic assemblies, with the Acropolis and Parthenon in view at sunset, Rubio described ancient Greece as the origin of essential Western characteristics. He cited "fierce individuality and relentless ambition" along with "a yearning for discovery, for adventure, risk and glory."

Rubio argued that modern Western societies have allowed these qualities to erode, leading to a crossroads where nations must choose between pursuing national power or facing atrophy and decline. "It has become fashionable today to believe that enlightened foreign policy means prioritizing the 'global community' over one's own people," he said, according to prepared excerpts. "We choose the unapologetic pursuit of national power."

The address expanded on themes from Rubio's February remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he warned of Europe's potential "civilizational erasure" and called for recovery of shared Western identity. In Athens, he framed President Trump's "America First" approach as consistent with classical ideals of sovereignty and strength.

Rubio highlighted encouraging signs in Europe, including rising defense spending and new security partnerships, as potential markers of a generational shift. He praised Greece as a model ally for its contributions to defense, energy, and regional security amid ongoing U.S. efforts against Iran and the conflict in Ukraine.

The speech came during Rubio's European tour that included stops in Iceland and Portugal to engage NATO allies. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed the remarks, noting their potential resonance beyond the venue.

Rubio traced Western development from ancient Greece through Rome, Christendom, and the founding of the United States, emphasizing loyalty to nation as a virtue rather than a flaw.