The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026 is set to be significantly more contentious than its 2025 predecessor, amid ongoing concerns over US President Donald Trump’s disruptive foreign policy approach.
In its annual Munich Security Report 2026, released on Monday, the conference organisers directly identified President Trump as the primary driver of the current era of “wrecking-ball politics”, stating, “Among the most powerful leaders axing rules and institutions is US President Donald Trump.”
The report comes as organisers confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a “sizable delegation” of officials to the MSC this weekend.
MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, speaking in an interview aired on Monday, acknowledged the damage to transatlantic trust but described US calls for a more “self-reliant” Europe as “fair and overdue”.
He added, “Part of our mission, I think, is to at least offer the possibility of repair work in terms of rebuilding trust, confidence building, et cetera, among transatlantic partners. Obviously, trust has been damaged. Think of Greenland.”
The three-day conference is expected to bring together around 65 world leaders, 100 foreign and defence ministers, senior military officials, and high-level policymakers.
At the 2025 edition, US Vice President JD Vance delivered a sharp critique of European allies, accusing EU leaders of restricting free speech, allowing excessive migration, and ignoring voter concerns.
He faced backlash from German officials after appearing to endorse the far-right AfD party during his remarks.
This year, Western leaders are anticipated to express greater criticism of the Trump administration’s wavering support for Ukraine, especially as fears grow over a more assertive Russian posture in the coming months.
In the Indo-Pacific region, allies face increasing uncertainty due to China’s push for dominance and perceived unpredictability in US commitments.
Experts note that the United States risks isolating itself by withdrawing from international treaties and, in the words of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, asserting dominance through military might and economic strength rather than cooperative multilateralism.
Also read: India-US trade deal to open Indian markets: White House
Follow us
