Story perspectives

Munich Security Conference: Leaders Tackle Eroding Trust and Radical Politics

2/10/2026

Center

Leaders Address Security

The 2026 Munich Security Conference will convene February 13–15 with 65 leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Conference chair Wolfgang Ischinger describes a "wrecking-ball politics" era and assigns responsibility to U.S. President Donald Trump for undermining norms.
The MSC report warns of eroding public trust and the rise of radical parties across democracies, noting Europe’s need for greater self-reliance amid uncertain U.S. support.

Left

Trump Undermines Order

The Munich Security Conference report warns that the post-World War II international order is under threat from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
It describes a shift away from liberal democratic values toward a "post-American order."
It criticizes Trump's approach for not strongly condemning Russia's actions and accuses European leaders of censorship, while European concerns about the U.S. descent into "competitive authoritarianism" threaten global security.

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Leaders Address Security

The 2026 Munich Security Conference will convene February 13–15 with 65 leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Conference chair Wolfgang Ischinger describes a "wrecking-ball politics" era and assigns responsibility to U.S. President Donald Trump for undermining norms.
The MSC report warns of eroding public trust and the rise of radical parties across democracies, noting Europe’s need for greater self-reliance amid uncertain U.S. support.

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