Munich Security Conference 2025: A Turning Point for Global Security? ??

The opening session of the 61st Munich Security Conference set a dramatically different tone, signaling a shift in global diplomacy and security priorities. ???

Attending the conference and its side events felt like a cold shower—stark, sobering, and urgent. Ensuring people's safety while upholding the rule of law raised pressing questions, many of which remain unanswered.

Diversity & Representation in Security Talks:

This MSC edition marked a turning point in security and diplomacy. Yet, the low representation of women, young professionals, civil society organisations, and academia portrayed an outdated approach to security. ??

The old dual thinking of 'peace or war' no longer applies. The concepts of conflict and war have evolved. Together with “traditional” wars in so many countries in the world, today, citizens are targets of cyber threats, disinformation, and AI-driven attacks. Cybercriminals—often acting as proxies for terrorist groups—exploit personal data to undermine democracies. ??

Citizens, and in particular subgroups of the population and vulnerable groups will see their data being leaked in the open. Personal health data is one of the new battlefields now. Weaponised information is today’s most powerful currency. It spreads fear, erodes trust in governments to be able to protect their citizens, and ultimately threatens democracy. Isn't dissatisfaction one of the biggest drivers of voting behaviour?

No better way than destroying democracies forces in Europe to allying them with autocracies. The costs to run such actions? Very little, yes those disinformation campaigns don’t cost much, however, the implications are huge.

Public Sector Readiness:

A critical question emerged: do public institutions have the right expertise to combat these threats? It seems not. Re-skilling and up-skilling in cybersecurity are becoming urgent priorities. ??

Private-Public Cooperation on Security:

One key debate over the past two days: Can the military and private sector effectively collaborate on data and intelligence sharing? Let’s think about how much information detain private companies in sectors such as that of?connected vehicles - that is any vehicle featuring a series of smart functions such as internet connectivity, remote operation of vehicles and security functions - where Europe is so much dependent on China.?

As Lieutenant General Michael Vetter , Director General and Chief Information Officer at the German Federal Ministry of Defense, said, this kind of cooperation it’s not just a possibility—it’s a necessity, although not easy to achieve. It was reassuring to hear that he and the Ministry are aware and working toward it.

This issue was highlighted at the Foreign Policy 'Policy Emerging Threats Forum' and the 'Catch Me If You Can: Cyber Edition' discussion at Amerikahaus. ???

With 68 democracies outnumbered by 74 autocracies in the world (Berthelsmann Report) as Dr. Nathalie Tocci , Director Istituto Affari Internazionali, pointed out, the issue now is no longer a systemic conflict between the two but how are we dealing with Autocratic Democracies changing the rules of law? How are we dealing with this new world order?? Again, the Conference’s opening addresses marked a turning point to this regard and made us realise that Rule of Law and democratic principles are NOT a given.

On the streets of Munich we also saw some demonstrations during the Conference. Interestingly enough groups were protesting against NATO, the arms industry and further weapons deliveries.? A separate rally was organised in support of Ukraine with participants demanding continued support to Kyiv, both financially and militarily.

3 Security Challenges We Can’t Ignore

1?? ???♂? As Dan Smith , Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Stockholm concluded, we shouldn’t be obsessed about trade tariffs, we should focus on where the investments are placed, because this is where the future will be shaped.?

2?? ?? The world is “round” and interconnected. Thinking that nations—no matter how big or powerful—can act in isolation and only through bilateral relations is short-sighted and obsolete. There is a need for a new approach to international cooperation and governance.

3?? ???Diversity & Representation in Security Talks is needed with more young people and women to share their views and solutions.

How should democracies adapt to these evolving threats? Let’s discuss. ??

A special thank to:

My partners in crime :-) of the G100 Delegation for bringing their perspectives and for the interesting discussions. Each of us with such a different story and background:

Katrina Salazar

Angela Z.L M.

Alejandra Fernández M.

Arantza Caballero González-Rojas

Once one of my former trainees, and now a fully-fledged international relations specialist amazing Dalia Alic

Priscilla Schelp and colleagues for making the presence of the G100: Mission Million Delegation possible and to Amerikahaus for welcoming us!

Johannes Steger for the clever moderation!

Munich Security Conference Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Altstipendiaten der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.