Trump's Wrecking Ball Menaces European Leaders at Munich Conference

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As European leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference, they face the ongoing fallout from the 'demolition man' era ushered in by former US President Donald Trump. The conference organizers have acknowledged the 'creative destruction' of global norms under Trump, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the continent. Europe must navigate a new world order defined by US unpredictability, the rise of far-right populism, and the need to take greater responsibility for its own security.

Why it matters

The Munich Security Conference is a key gathering for Europe's security establishment, and this year's event comes at a pivotal moment as the continent grapples with the aftermath of Trump's disruptive presidency. Europe must find a way to adapt and ensure its own stability and security in the face of an unreliable US ally and the growing threat of far-right populism.

The details

Last year, US Vice President JD Vance's criticism of Europe's liberal democracies shocked the conference audience. Now, Vance's contrarian views have become official US policy, as evidenced by the national security and defense strategies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to double down on this message by visiting Trump-aligned leaders in Slovakia and Hungary before the Munich event. Europe has learned two key lessons from the Trump era: his provocative statements are not always backed by detailed policy, and he dislikes being disliked by allies. The continent's challenge is to evolve enough to ensure its own security without alienating the US beyond repair.

• This time last year, US Vice President JD Vance delivered a broadside against Europe's liberal democracies at the Munich Security Conference.
• In the days before the 2026 Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Trump-doting prime ministers in Slovakia and Hungary.

What’s next

There are nine months to go until the US mid-term elections, which could potentially hobble the president and fire the starting gun on Vance's likely bid to succeed Trump. From that point on, a combination of global calm and flattering allies could be helpful to those who seek to follow Trump, in the two years before 2028's presidential elections.