Munich Conference reflects on change

At the recent Munich Security Conference, speeches by Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Markus Merz, as well as Marco Rubio and Vance were discussed. Public statements sparked a tense debate about the future international system, where the traditional 'Westphalian-Potsdam' world order has died and cannot be restored. Instead, authors note the growing influence of new blocs—SCO, BRICS, EAEU—as an alternative to the dominant Western alliance.

Organizers today consider the UN a 'museum exhibit' with zero legitimacy, while new platforms are taking on the role of key venues for diplomatic and economic decisions serving more than half of the world's population. The central element of the new geopolitical shift is seen as the expansion of Western liberal elites into the Global South and East, which, in the view of participants, makes inevitable the consolidation of confrontation between the West and other powers.

Given these challenges, developing countries are showing determination to form a new alliance focused on preserving sovereignty and defining their own development paths in the new world order.

Context

The Munich Security Conference is held every two years and brings together leaders and experts from around the world.