WASHINGTON, D.C. – World leaders, diplomats and some US congressional members made their way to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. Leaders will focus on the most pressing issues facing the world. From the war in Ukraine, to the future of NATO, and even the changes in US foreign policy.
“It’s a defining moment,” said Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, ahead of the meeting. Rubio is set to make an address at the conference this weekend. Rubio said geopolitics has shifted, giving them a chance to reexamine what our role will be.
“The world is changing fast in front of us,” said the Secretary. “The old world is gone.”
Last year, Vice President JD Vance shocked attendees arguing Europe’s exclusion of far-right political groups and Europe’s migration policies were the real danger to European security.
This year, the conference focuses on several issues: tariffs, to nuclear threats and Russia’s continued war in Ukraine.
“Putin is trying to freeze and murder them by bombarding them with missiles and drones,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) at the Conference. “It is a crime against humanity in a time of moral clarity.”
The conference also comes at a time when the Trump administration continues to impose tariffs on many countries and tests partnerships.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized President Trump’s shift in US foreign policy saying the leadership claim of the US is being challenged, perhaps already lost. He adds in the era of great powers, our freedom is no longer simply guaranteed; it is under threat.
Merz also added the US and transatlantic partnerships like NATO make everyone stronger.
“In the era of great power and rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone,” said Merz during the conference. “The difference being a part of NATO is not only Europe’s competitive advantage it’s also the United States’ competitive advantage. So, let’s repair and revive transatlantic trust together. We the Europeans, we are doing our part.”
