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Munich Security Conference

The annual Munich Security Conference brings together security experts and politicians, military leaders and the defense industry from around the world.

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All Content on this topic

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

What Peter Thiel has to do with Germany's drones

Germany is racing to catch up in modern warfare. As the Bundeswehr prepares to buy combat drones, one name is causing political turbulence: Peter Thiel. How much influence does the controversial investor really have — and should lawmakers approve the deal? Host Nina Haase breaks it all down with Christopher F. Schuetze (The New York Times), Emil Archambault (DGAP), and Roman Goncharenko (DW).
PoliticsFebruary 20, 202632:15 min
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

What Peter Thiel has to do with Germany’s drones

Germany is racing to catch up in modern warfare. As the Bundeswehr prepares to buy combat drones, one name is causing political turbulence: Peter Thiel. How much influence does the controversial investor really have — and should lawmakers approve the deal? Host Nina Haase breaks it all down with Christopher F. Schuetze (The New York Times), Emil Archambault (DGAP), and Roman Goncharenko (DW).
PoliticsFebruary 20, 202632:40 min
DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

More trouble for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer?

A UK by-election that could spell trouble for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a wrap-up of the Munich Security Conference, a look at the Berlinale and whether it’s still political, and France’s last newspaper hawker. Then: efforts to rebuild Aghdam, US trans people seeking asylum in the Netherlands, and a pagan tradition seeing a revival — wassailing. + film.macht.kritisch https://shorturl.at/OTkz1 +
PoliticsFebruary 20, 202654:59 min
Ecuadorian politician Maria Fernanda Espinoza talks to DW correspondent Nina Haase.

'UN is irreplaceable' despite crisis: Ecuador's former FM

Maria Fernanda Espinosa: The UN remains the only global, universal platform for humanitarian aid and development.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202611:56 min
Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro speaking to DW at the MSC about the country's goals as chair of ASEAN

The Philippines is chair of ASEAN — these are its goals

At the MSC the Philippines' foreign affairs secretary spoke about the country's goals as ASEAN chair in 2026
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202605:13 min
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna

Estonian FM Tsahkna: Estonia is 'prepared' if Russia attacks

Estonian FM Margus Tsahkna says Europe is "waking up" when it comes to defense — and sees that shift starting in Munich.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202609:22 min
DW journalist Shamil Shams speaks to Pakistan defense minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan joined Trump's Board of Peace — this is why

DW’s Shamil Shams sat down with Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on the sidelines of the 2026 MSC.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202612:01 min
Spanish soldiers are seen on a Leopard tank as they cross the Vistula river during the NATO DRAGON-24 military exercise in Korzeniewo, northern Poland, March 4, 2024.

Europe looks to shore up own defenses amid US uncertainty

NATO remains vital for Europe, but self-reliance and mutual defense was a recurring theme in Munich.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 2026
A 120 mm mortar team led by Ukrainian soldier Tequila prepares firing position as the war between Russia and Ukraine in Chasiv Yar

Ex-NATO chief: Ukraine victory 'absolutely within reach'

Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO head, confirms disagreements in trans-Atlantic relations but is hopeful about the future.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202611:23 min
Deutschland Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz MSC 2026 | Treffen zwischen US-Außenminister Marco Rubio und Chinas Außenminister Wang Yi

Asia between China and the US: Insights from the MSC

Asian experts at MSC 26 explain how their countries are navigating risks — and seizing new opportunities.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202602:35 min
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was lit up in solidarity with Iranian protesters over the weekend

MSC: With Iran in crisis, is Europe just a spectator?

At this year's MSC, exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has urged Europe to help Iranians topple the Islamist regime.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 2026
A man with glasses and suit is speaking into a microphone. To the right is the back of the man holding the microphone.

How China is playing its geopolitical cards in the Trump era

International relations professor Da Wei outlines China’s opportunities and challenges in the Trump era.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202614:44 min
A blonde women behind a microphone with DW written on it.

US Senator: 'It’s all about how we approach the Arctic'

US Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska spoke at MSC about the importance of Arctic security to the US and Europe.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202606:37 min
A half-bald white man behind a microphone with DW written on it

'We need to rebuild some trust': Chris Coons at MSC 2026

The Democrat from Delaware shared a conciliatory message to European allies: "Let us show you that we are trustworthy."
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202604:12 min
On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

Can Europe and MAGA coexist?

Did US Secretary of State Marco Rubio just send Europe a political Valentine's card? And are Europeans ready to rebuild trust in their longtime partner? How do Germany and its European allies wield their leverage in a multipolar world? Live at the MSC 2026, Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase dissect the Merz government’s approach with CDU/CSU Chief Whip Jens Spahn and the Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202644:49 min
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Can Europe and MAGA coexist? | Live from MSC 2026

Did US Secretary of State Marco Rubio just send Europe a political Valentine's card? And are Europeans ready to rebuild trust in their longtime partner? How do Germany and its European allies wield their leverage in a multipolar world? Live at the MSC 2026, Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase dissect the Merz government’s approach with CDU/CSU Chief Whip Jens Spahn and the Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202643:14 min
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the audience during a session at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, standing in front of a screen showing the aftermath of Russian attacks in Ukraine

Ukraine's Zelenskyy at MSC: Putin is a 'slave to war'

At the Munich Security Conference, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country needs more weapons — fast.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 2026
DW correspondent Michaela Küfner interviewing Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof during the Munich Security Conference 2026

US Governor Gavin Newsom: Trump has 'unified Europe'

At the Munich Security Conference, California Governor Gavin Newsom praised EU leaders' "strength, unity, conviction."
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202613:24 min
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Polish deputy PM: US and Europe perceive threats differently

There was no mention of Europe's major security issue in Marco Rubio's speech, says Polish Deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202607:08 min
Marco Rubio speaks with other world leaders in a group on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference

Europe welcomes Rubio’s tone, but Trumpian narrative remains

Despite a softer tone, American independence and the "Trumpian narrative" were key themes for the US in Munich.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 2026
Johann Wadephul, an older man wearing glasses and a suit, speaks into a DW microphone

Germany's foreign minister sees 'common ground' with US

Johann Wadephul, Germany's foreign minister, told DW that Marco Rubio gave a "very positive speech" at MSC 2026.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202605:45 min
A group of people speaking on a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, seated around a small table

Gaza's future: From rubble to riches?

At the Munich Security Conference, DW's Sarah Kelly leads a high level Conflict Zone panel on Trump's Gaza peace plan.
ConflictsFebruary 14, 202644:53 min
Österreich | OSCE Treffen in Wien | Yevheniia Kravchuk

Ukrainian MP Kravchuk at MSC: Europe must do more

Yevheniia Kravchuk, a Ukrainian MP, said Ukraine was seeking to use the MSC to deepen defense partnerships in Europe.
ConflictsFebruary 13, 202612:25 min
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius talks to DW chief correspondent Nina Haase.

German Defense Minister Pistorius on new military spending

"We did everything we could do" Pistorius tells DW, speaking at the Munich Security Conference. "I think the United States realize that and acknowledge that. And at the same time, the tone changed on both sides."
PoliticsFebruary 13, 202613:41 min
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen speaks to DW.

Greenland PM: Ready for defense talks with 'mutual respect'

At the MSC, Greenland's Prime Minister Nielsen said Arctic security would top his agenda and reiterated his "red lines."
PoliticsFebruary 13, 202606:36 min
The MSC logo at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich

MSC braces for more of Trump's 'wrecking-ball politics'

Munich Security Conference head Wolfgang Ischinger says "obviously, trust has been damaged" by Donald Trump of late.
PoliticsFebruary 9, 2026
MSC chairman Wolfgang Ischinger in a DW interview

MSC chair: Trust in trans-Atlantic relations damaged

Wolfgang Ischinger says he has "a lot of sympathy" for the US demand that Europe take its defense into its own hands.
PoliticsFebruary 9, 202612:57 min
A man walks past a logo for the conference

Munich Security Conference withdraws Iran's invitations

Officials said the conditions for meaningful dialogue were "no longer in place" after deadly crackdowns.
PoliticsJanuary 16, 2026
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Ukraine, US, and Europe: The race for a truce before Christmas

Could it really happen? Why you shouldn’t hold your breath for a quick ceasefire in Ukraine: In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Michaela Küfner discusses the current flurry of diplomacy between Washington, Berlin, Kyiv, and Moscow over Trump’s revised plan for Ukraine, and what the new US security strategy means for Europeans and the future of the transatlantic partnership.
PoliticsDecember 12, 202533:41 min
On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

Ukraine, US, and Europe: The race for a truce before Christmas

Could it really happen? Why you shouldn’t hold your breath for a quick ceasefire in Ukraine: In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Michaela Küfner discusses the current flurry of diplomacy between Washington, Berlin, Kyiv, and Moscow over Trump’s revised plan for Ukraine, and what the new US security strategy means for Europeans and the future of the transatlantic partnership.
PoliticsDecember 12, 202535:17 min
Beatrix von Storch speaking in front of microphones wearing a pink jacket in the Bundestag

Germany's AfD seeks closer ties to Trump and MAGA movement

The AfD is aiming at cozier relations with the United States, a move that has long been contentious within the party.
PoliticsOctober 6, 2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump together at Trump Tower in New York

Fact check: Trump's false claims on Zelenskyy, Ukraine aid

President Trump has claimed Ukraine's Zelenskyy has lost support, is refusing elections, and has tricked the USA.
PoliticsFebruary 21, 2025
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

MSC 2: Does the US still have to figure out Russia/Ukraine?

At a memorable Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance lectured the Europeans on what democracy should really mean, questioning its institutions. In this special edition from Munich, host Michaela Küfner breaks down the messages from MSC 2025 together with Jackson Janes (German Marshall Fund), Peter R. Neumann (King's College London) and DW's Brussels correspondent Teri Schultz.
PoliticsFebruary 21, 202531:04 min
French President Emmanuel Macron greets Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk

End of an era? Europe's shaky security strategy for Ukraine

The European Union is scrambling to find a security strategy that is independent from an increasingly disengaged US.
PoliticsFebruary 20, 2025
Zin Mar Aung, Myanmar's National Unity Government's foreign minister, at MSC 2025, talking to DW

Zin Mar Aung: 'Myanmar's junta losing control'

The opposition NUG's foreign minister told DW at MSC that the Myanmar junta lacks legitimacy to hold elections.
PoliticsFebruary 18, 202503:24 min
Pakistan's Former Foreign Minister Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari at the Munich Security Conference

Bhutto: 'Pakistan can be a bridge between China and US'

Pakistan's ex-foreign minister told DW at the MSC that his country wants to have good ties with both China and the US.
PoliticsFebruary 17, 202510:46 min
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

MSC 2: Does the US still have to figure out Russia/Ukraine?

What's next after the US Vice President lectured Europeans on democracy at the Munich Security Conference?
PoliticsFebruary 17, 202529:51 min
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China expert: 'Donald Trump asked China to help' make peace

Donald Trump’s overtures to Russia upset Europeans at the MSC. But they have been welcomed by China.
PoliticsFebruary 16, 202516:56 min
An elderly man wearing a suit and red tie (US Special Evoy to Ukraine Gen. Keith Kellogg) speaks with DW's Sarah Kelly during a panel discussion at this year's Munich Security Conference

US Special Envoy to Ukraine: No clear answers for Ukrainians

What can be made of the newly announced US peace plan for Ukraine? That was the topic of a DW-hosted panel at the MSC.
PoliticsFebruary 16, 2025
Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz 2025 | DW-Interview mit französischem Minister Benjamin Haddad

France's Haddad: 'Europe needs to wake up'

France's Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad warns against capitulating to Russia on Ukraine.
PoliticsFebruary 16, 202509:10 min
Trump Putin 2017

US envoy: Putin will have to make territorial concessions

Panel at Munich Security Conference looks at where US-sponsored peace talks will leave Ukraine and Europe.
PoliticsFebruary 16, 202542:34 min
German President Steinmeier, US President Vance, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and others in a meeting during the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2025

Deep rift between US and EU opens up in Munich

US-EU "shared values" were questioned by the US vice president. Do the two still see eye to eye?
PoliticsFebruary 15, 2025
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

MSC: Women leaders discuss security

How do women leaders in Europe view current security challenges? Will the US be a reliable ally? Are democracies around the world under threat? DW’s Berlin Briefing and One Decision Podcast teamed up to host a powerful, all-female panel at the MSC: Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, former Icelandic Foreign Minister Thordis Gylfadottir, and former Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202559:09 min
Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

MSC: Women leaders discuss security

How do women leaders in Europe view current security challenges?
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202565:27 min
Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz 2025 | Pal Jonson, Verteidigungsminister Schweden

Jonson: Ukraine fast, more innovative, on defense production

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson sees cooperation on military-industrial production as a better way to help Ukraine.
PoliticsFebruary 15, 202507:36 min
A file photo of Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda

Nauseda: 'Transatlantic bond will remain strong'

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda comments on the future of the US-EU relationship, now that Donald Trump is back.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202507:17 min
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a DW interview

Pistorius: JD Vance's criticism 'is not acceptable'

In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, the US vice president said free speech was "in retreat" in Europe.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202506:52 min
A view of the front pages of the newspapers featuring news about the US presidential election

Will Iran bow to Donald Trump's 'maximum pressure?'

US President Donald Trump wants to force Iran to give up on its nuclear program.
ConflictsFebruary 14, 2025
Vijay Chauthaiwale (l) in a DW interview with Richard Walker (r, back to camera)

Chauthaiwale: 'Europe is going through a transition'

Vijay Chauthaiwale, of India's ruling right-wing BJP party, said Trump's election win was a critical point for Europe.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202511:36 min
JD Vance, second right, and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a bilateral meeting

Vance speech a 'massive intervention in European politics'

DW analyzed US Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference which sharply critiqued Europe.
PoliticsFebruary 14, 202506:31 min