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
-
Could the Iran War Spread to Europe?
Podcast
More than seven months have passed since the United States launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The resulting war has disrupted global energy markets, exacerbated region...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Ukraine's Winter Forecast: Economy and Politics
Podcast
A fast-approaching winter looms over Ukraine. Russia has intensified a concerted campaign against the infrastructure that keeps Ukraine’s economy running, striking railways, w...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Why Has America Suddenly Pulled Its Bombers Out of Britain?
Video
The sudden withdrawal of American heavy bombers from RAF Fairford back to the United States follows a major incident near the Gloucestershire airbase. Five men were arrested n...
By Jim Townsend
-
The Pentagon’s Plan for a Smaller Group of NATO Allies
Video
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby has held talks with Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Finland, describing the participants as allies that are increasin...
By Jim Townsend
