Facing the Elephant in Munich

Foreign Policy

by John Haltiwanger and Rishi Iyengar

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Europe’s relationship with the United States is under intense scrutiny at the 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC), with European leaders openly expressing frustration over President Donald Trump’s leadership. The post-World War II global order, once seen as unshakable, is being described as “kaput” by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the deep divide between Europe and the U.S. Yet, despite this fracture, there’s a recognition of mutual dependency. Merz stressed that neither side can go it alone in an era of great-power rivalry, calling for renewed trans-Atlantic trust to strengthen NATO—a partnership he described as a “competitive advantage” for both continents. The conference has also seen pointed remarks from U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who invoked former President Ronald Reagan’s legacy while promoting his own agenda: “Make the U.N. Great Again.” Meanwhile, European leaders are doubling down on their assertion that NATO’s collective defense mechanism exists not just to protect Europe but also American interests. This sentiment was echoed in an open letter signed by former U.S. ambassadors and NATO commanders, who warned of the risks of abandoning trans-Atlantic unity. The discussions at MSC reflect a broader shift among U.S. allies, particularly in Europe, where leaders are increasingly willing to voice their concerns about Trump’s policies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously raised similar alarms at Davos, calling for middle powers to “act together” amid a fractured world order. At Munich, Wolfgang Ischinger, the conference chairman, directly questioned whether Washington truly understands the importance of alliances, asking if the U.S. is prepared

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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/13/2026