February 20, 2023
Of Strategy and Schnitzel: Munich Security Conference 2023
This piece was originally published by War on the Rocks.
My first Munich Security Conference, back in 2005, was a wonky gathering of transatlantic security policymakers. All the proceedings took place in the Bayerische Hof ballroom, and a cloud hung over the largely European (and theoretically nonsmoking) audience. Delegates’ eyes lit with excitement as they debated NATO’s strategic concept, evaluated the war in Iraq, and urged each other (but not their own governments) to boost defense spending. Beer flowed liberally — brats were consumed en masse.
The West is, they all said, in this for the long haul, and will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Nein more. The beer and brats remain, but the conference has grown bigger, global in scope and participation, glitzier and replete with media and roving security details. Getting a seat for the most popular speakers means showing up well before a session begins. Side events compete with off-the-books gatherings, dinners, and (I’m not making this up) a foosball tournament. The net effect is more Zirkus than Konferenz.
Read the full article from War on the Rocks.
More from CNAS
-
A Night of NATO at the National Archives
Podcast
Just a few weeks ago, leaders from across the globe gathered in Washington, D.C. for the historic 75th NATO summit. Over the course of the three-day event, allies engaged in d...
By Jim Townsend & Andrea Kendall-Taylor
-
75 Years of NATO: Key Takeaways from the Washington Summit
Podcast
Last week, Washington, DC hosted the NATO summit – marking the historic 75th anniversary of the alliance. Despite the significant milestone, the mood was serious in DC with th...
By Jim Townsend & Kate Johnston
-
Air defence package for Ukraine could work alongside F-16s to halt Putin's attacks
Video
Jim Townsend joins Frontline on Times Radio to discuss how further U.S. air defense systems for Ukraine and Nato drills will be key to sending a message that Nato is committed...
By Jim Townsend
-
Sharper: NATO Summit
Commentary
The 75th NATO Summit was held in Washington DC, last week, and brought together leaders and governments to discuss pressing issues facing the world's oldest alliance. A bridge...
By Anna Pederson
