At the Munich Security Conference, world leaders drew parallels between the current international climate and Miley Cyrus's imagery from her hit song, 'Wrecking Ball.' The metaphor suggests that the global political landscape resembles a 'wrecking ball' destroying long-established norms and relationships, primarily influenced by the actions of former U.S. President Donald Trump. This year's conference highlights a shift in the U.S.'s role, moving away from the leadership that has shaped international order since World War II.

The conference's opening report underlines the urgency of recognizing the role the United States has played in global security, emphasizing that the very foundation of international stability is at risk of disintegration. The report reflects a growing consensus among European leaders that the U.S. is distancing itself from its traditional commitments, provoking concerns regarding the resilience of the global alliance system, which has facilitated peace and cooperation in recent decades.

In response to this alarming context, the discourse at the conference stresses that European nations must brace for a future where they may need to take greater responsibility for their own security. Leaders are urged to abandon previous illusions about U.S. support, calling for a pragmatic approach to defense that considers the evolving geopolitical landscape, where strategic unity among European countries becomes increasingly vital for countering external threats.