AOC Warns US Retreat From Global Alliances Risks 'Age of Authoritarians'

The congresswoman addressed a range of issues but focused mostly on worsening income inequality and the rise of authoritarianism.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, warned at the 2026 Munich Security Conference that if the United States withdraws from the world stage it will lead to "an age of authoritarians." She criticized the Trump administration's decision to withdraw the U.S. from various international organizations and agreements, arguing it will empower authoritarian leaders around the world.

Why it matters

During his 2025 appearance at the conference, Vice President JD Vance said the greatest threat facing Europe was not external adversaries such as Russia or China, but what he called a 'threat from within' caused by democratic backsliding. Commentators have also labeled Ocasio-Cortez's attendance at the conference as her most significant, high-profile overseas appearance since taking office, and it has only further fueled speculation she's increasing her profile ahead of a possible 2028 presidential bid.

The details

Ocasio-Cortez addressed a range of issues but focused mostly on worsening income inequality and the rise of authoritarianism, presenting her working-class worldview and criticizing far-right populism. Part of her message focused on how Trump has treated European allies since returning to office, including his aggressive pursuit of acquiring Greenland, which belongs to NATO ally Denmark.

  • Ocasio-Cortez addressed the 2026 Munich Security Conference.
  • Vance warned about democratic backsliding in Europe at the 2025 Munich Security Conference.

The players

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A New York Democratic congresswoman who warned about the risks of the U.S. withdrawing from global alliances.

JD Vance

The Vice President who warned in 2025 that the greatest threat facing Europe was not external adversaries, but democratic backsliding.

Donald Trump

The former president who reshaped U.S. foreign policy, including withdrawing from several international organizations and agreements.

Vladimir Putin

The Russian president who Ocasio-Cortez said could "saber-rattle around Europe and try to bully around our own allies" if the U.S. withdraws from the world stage.

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What they’re saying

“I think we need to revisit our commitments to international aid, not just USAID, but the dozens of global compacts that the current Secretary of State and President Trump have withdrawn from.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (Newsweek)

“It is our global alliances that can be a hard stop against authoritarian consolidation of power, particularly in the installation of regional puppet government.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (Newsweek)

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's warnings about the risks of the U.S. retreating from global alliances and the rise of authoritarianism highlight the growing debate over America's role in the world and the future of the international order, especially as the Trump administration has pursued a more isolationist foreign policy.