The 2026 Munich Security Report, titled “Under Destruction,” shows a transformation of the international order. The title itself signals the erosion of the political, economic, and security architecture that was established after World War II, an order largely designed and led by the United States. For decades, Washington was seen as the cornerstone of the transatlantic alliance and the guarantor of a liberal, rules-based system. In the economic sphere, this order was first structured under the Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and later institutionalized through the World Trade Organization (WTO) It was grounded in principles such as non-discrimination, transparency, and binding commitments. The underlying idea was “diffuse reciprocity”: even if gains were not perfectly balanced in the short term, all participating countries were expected to benefit fairly over time. However, recent developments suggest that this foundation is weakening.
At the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, discussions reportedly centered on the collapse of the post-1945 economic system, with growing acknowledgment that the United States can no longer be automatically regarded as a fully “reliable ally.” The United States has made clear that it does not want a weak Europe; rather, it expects a stronger, more capable partner. At the same time, European leaders increasingly emphasize the need for strategic autonomy.
At the same time, this can also be seen as an American demand directed at European countries. During the 2025 Munich Security Conference, tensions were particularly high due to a strong right-leaning stance from the United States. Just one week before Germany’s national elections, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech addressing mass migration, arguing that Germany was facing serious immigration problems. His positioning appeared to signal support for Germany’s far-right party (Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)). He also described migration as the greatest threat currently confronting Europe, even more significant than Russian aggression.
During this year’s conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the same issue. He mentioned that the United States and the European Union share a common cultural heritage and religious heritage that must be safeguarded through tighter migration control. Rubio framed the debate around the protection of what he described as the “civilization” shaped within European societies. By presenting cultural identity as something that requires protection with a migration control, he echoed a political narrative that casts migration as a civilizational threat.
He also argues that the post-Cold War period placed excessive confidence in globalism, assuming that economic openness and institutional cooperation would automatically produce fairness among states. In his view, this expectation proved unrealistic, which is why he insists that allies should not “rationalize the broken status quo rather than reckon with what is necessary to fix it.” He further emphasized that the United States has “no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West’s managed decline.” From this perspective, Europe is encouraged to move away from unquestioned faith in global integration and instead emphasize sovereignty, stronger national positioning, and protection of what he describes as Western cultural foundations. In this context, globalism is not considered to be the unifying and stabilizing outcome of the post-Cold War period but rather something that may have diminished its power.
The new European security strategy
Globalization continues to expand, but not necessarily in the form or direction envisioned by the United States. Rather than reinforcing a U.S.-led liberal order, recent developments suggest a diversification of power in which Europe occupies an increasingly decisive role. Peter Leibinger, President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), stated during discussions held in Munich alongside the Munich Security Conference that Europe must be prepared to shape its defense policy “with, without, and if necessary, against Washington.” Delivered in the context of debates on European industrial and security strategy. The remark signals a shift in European thinking: the era of unquestioned reliance on American security guarantees appears to be ending.
Also, The French Minister of Defense, Catherine, shared her views during the European E5 Defense Ministers meeting on February 20, 2026. She stated: “We must move toward a more European NATO.” While recognizing the United States as an important ally, she also noted that Washington has encouraged European nations “to take greater responsibility for our own defense.”
Europe’s position became clearer in the remarks delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the Munich Conference. She expresses that Europe must strengthen its own defense capabilities and assume greater responsibility for its security. Discussions also centered on reinforcing Europe’s deterrence strategy, particularly through nuclear policy and the possible expansion of the French-led nuclear umbrella.
However, this shift should not be overstated. Despite growing calls for strategic autonomy, Europe remains structurally dependent on NATO and, by extension, the United States in matters of collective defense and broader security coordination.
Europe’s Economic Response to Trade Tensions with the United States
Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy is not limited to defense; it is also visible in economic policy. Following the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which rejected President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, and Washington’s immediate announcement of new broad tariffs on 20 February 2026, the European Commission made clear immediately, on 22 February 2026, that it will not accept any increase in tariffs imposed by the United States that contradicts the EU–U.S. trade agreement.
The European Commission demanded full clarity from Washington regarding its next steps and insisted that previously negotiated commitments must be respected. It warned that unpredictable tariff policies risk disrupting trade flows and undermining confidence in global markets. The repeated uncertainty regarding America’s tariff policy will further strengthen European partnerships and internal industrial capacity. The European approach to security is best exemplified by its approach to its economic policy, which prioritizes security in an uncertain and unstable world rather than abandoning partnerships and cooperation.
In the end, the European approach to America’s tariff policy best exemplifies how economic policy and international relations are no longer separate but rather how economic policy has become synonymous with international strategy. The weakening of the rules-based order does not signal the end of globalization but rather its evolution to a more contested and negotiated process with Europe seeking to be independent and to be involved.
