1A The 2026 Munich Security Conference
Feb 18, 2026
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist from London; Felicia Schwartz, Diplomatic correspondent at Politico in Washington, D.C.; and Alex Ward, national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discuss Munich’s tone toward the U.S. and NATO. They cover European anger and trust issues, debates over rearmament and nuclear options, and who will pay for Ukraine’s security as transatlantic relations face a possible reset.
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U.S. Seeks A Rebuilt Rules-Based Order
- Marco Rubio framed reforming the rules-based order as necessary rather than abandoning international institutions.
- The administration wants allies to follow U.S. national interests first, then cooperate on shared goals.
Conference Felt Like Couples Counseling
- Many Europeans likened U.S. conduct to an abusive partner and expressed shocked dismay.
- The conference mood mixed willingness to work together with deep resentment and mistrust.
Greenland Moment Altered European Mindset
- Greenland and other recent U.S. moves shifted European leaders from resigned acceptance to active distrust.
- Officials now prepare for a worst-case scenario where America may abandon or oppose Europe.