Podcasts · The Truth of the Matter

Transatlantic Tensions at the Munich Security Conference

26 Feb 2025 · 28 min

CSIS’s Steve Morrison and Caitlin Welsh join the podcast to discuss the fallout from Vice President JD Vance's controversial speech at the Munich Security Conference. European leaders, particularly in Germany, were outraged by his criticism of the far-right party AfD and his refusal to meet with Chancellor Scholz. They also dive into the broader implications for NATO, the Transatlantic Alliance, and the future of U.S.-European relations, especially as the U.S. shifts toward direct negotiations with Russia, sidelining European allies. The conversation also explores the critical issues of food security, climate change, and health security, highlighting the absence of U.S. leadership and the growing importance of European unity. We reflect on the long-term impact of these developments on global stability and security.

Guests:

J. Stephen Morrison - Senior Vice President and Director, Global Health Policy Center, CSIS

Caitlin Welsh - Director, Global Food and Water Security Program, CSIS