US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference outlining a new global vision from the Trump administration.
US-Europe Alliance
Rubio’s speech was one of the most anticipated moments at this year’s Munich Security Conference. The US Secretary of State emphasized that Washington does not intend to act in isolation, though it does not rule out unilateral actions if necessary. “Although we are ready, if necessary, to act alone, our principle is that we will succeed in organizing this with you, we are ready here in Europe,” he stated.
Rubio clearly emphasized the civilizational community of the United States and Europe, pointing to deep historical and cultural connections. He stated that both continents are part of one political and civilizational organism. At the same time, he noted that America sees itself as part of a larger Western community that must regain its ability to act.
The tone of his speech was received with relief by many delegates, especially after earlier warnings from Donald Trump administration representatives, which had raised concerns about the future of the transatlantic partnership.
Global Order Restructuring
Marco Rubio clearly stated that the Donald Trump administration intends to rebuild the global order of power, based on a new cooperation model. “We, Americans, are not controlled by administrators and designated caretakers of the controlled decline of the West. We are not heading toward administrators, but toward a superior old community and the revival of the greatest civilization in human history.”
The Secretary of State emphasized that the United States does not intend to turn away from Europe, but expects active participation from European states in rebuilding the global order. He also stressed that a key element of this strategy will be the ability to act outside traditional structures if they prove ineffective.
Sovereignty and Migration
One of the central elements of the speech was the issue of national sovereignty and border control. Rubio unequivocally rejected the thesis that actions aimed at limiting migration are expressions of prejudice. “This is a fundamental act of national sovereignty. And failing to do so constitutes an urgent threat to the structure of our societies and the survival of our civilization.”
The US Secretary of State pointed out that mass migration has become one of the most important challenges destabilizing Western countries. He noted that this phenomenon cannot be treated as a marginal problem. “Mass migration is and was never a marginal problem of little significance. It was and continues to be a crisis that transforms and destabilizes societies throughout the West.”
Economic Independence and International Reform
At the same time, he criticized the direction of economic changes that led to the West’s dependence on external suppliers. He described this as “a stupid but voluntary transformation” that weakened the ability of states to function independently in crisis situations.
Marco Rubio also addressed the role of international institutions, including the United Nations. In his view, there is no need to abolish them, but deep reforms are necessary to restore their effectiveness. He emphasized that the future of global security depends on the ability of states to take decisive action, not just on formal international structures.
Although the topic of the war in Ukraine was one of the main points of the conference, Marco Rubio referred to it in a limited way. He indicated that ongoing talks have narrowed the areas of disagreement, though the most difficult issues remain unresolved.
Rubio’s speech showed that Washington does not intend to withdraw from the European security system, but expects a redefinition of the rules of cooperation. The new strategy assumes greater responsibility of European states for their own security and adaptation to the vision of the global order promoted by the Trump administration.
