The Rest Is Politics 501. Is Starmer Too Soft on Trump? Inside the Munich Security Conference
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Feb 16, 2026 A lively rundown from the Munich Security Conference on Rubio’s diplomatic charm offensive and how it echoes last year’s hardline rhetoric. Sharp debate about whether Starmer is underplaying a major transatlantic rupture or simply buying time. Detailed scenes on Europe’s tech sovereignty, defense gaps, and the politics shaping closer Europe–UK ties.
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Munich Feels Different Than Davos
- Rory describes Munich as less corporate and more focused on defence and security than Davos.
- He recounts bumping into leaders like Moldova's president and attending a Ukrainian military presentation.
Tech Sovereignty Worries At Munich
- Rory and Alastair recount a Google event where Europeans worried US firms might be forced to comply with US sanctions and controls.
- They flagged fears after Trump sanctioned the ICC chief, prompting tech account closures.
MAGA Message, Diplomatically Repackaged
- Marco Rubio repackaged last year's J.D. Vance message into a more diplomatic defense of a nationalist MAGA worldview.
- He framed international institutions as erosions of US sovereignty and blamed globalization and migration for Western decline.
