BONUS In Brief: Vibes Out of Munich

The 62nd Munich Security Conference revealed a broad consensus among global leaders that the post-World War II liberal order has ended. European nations are now focused on "derisking" from their strategic reliance on the United States, even while hoping to maintain the trans-Atlantic relationship. A pivotal speech by the U.S. Secretary of State simultaneously reassured some attendees of unity while worrying others with implicit criticisms of modern Europe. This uncertainty has also exposed growing rifts within the continent, particularly between France's push for strategic autonomy and Germany's more hesitant stance on European defense.