The Playbook Podcast 2028 runs through Munich
7 snips
Feb 13, 2026 
Zoya Sheftalovich, POLITICO’s chief EU correspondent and Brussels Playbook host, explains Munich’s rise as the Davos for defense. She recounts J.D. Vance’s shockwave speech and why European leaders are wary. Zoya previews which U.S. figures are using Munich to polish foreign-policy credentials and how Europe is planning greater self-defense amid doubts about U.S. reliability.
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Munich Is The Davos Of Defense
- The Munich Security Conference has become the defense equivalent of the World Economic Forum where leaders shape strategic defense debates.
- High-caliber politicians use it to signal policy priorities and convene defense ministers and experts from around the world.
Vance's Speech Shocked European Audiences
- Zoya recounts the shock across Munich when Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a vitriolic speech that surprised European leaders.
- Attendees reacted with disbelief and concern that the speech tore at decades of allied trust.
Democrats Use Munich To Burnish Foreign Cred
- A sizable group of potential 2028 Democratic contenders are attending Munich to build foreign policy credentials.
- Figures like Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez aim to burnish credibility and engage European audiences and ministers.