The recent speech by JD Vance, the US Vice-President, at the Munich Security Conference has stirred significant controversy, marking a potentially pivotal moment in the history of the event. During his address, Vance asserted that Europe's greatest threat is not external adversaries like Russia or China, but rather internal issues. His remarks were perceived as a call to arms for the populist right to seize control in Europe, promising support from what he described as the "new sheriff in town."
Vance's speech diverged sharply from the traditional US stance on European security, which historically emphasized shared values. Instead, he criticized elements like multiculturalism, migration, gay rights, and what he termed "globalism" and "liberal wokery." Notably, he refrained from criticizing Russia, which many viewed as a hypocritical omission. This rhetoric reflects an ideological rift between the US and Europe, further exacerbated by his failure to mention Europe's role in discussions about Ukraine.
European leaders responded strongly to Vance's statements. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the importance of remembering the atrocities committed during National Socialism and warned against trivializing such events. He reminded Vance of his visit to Dachau and emphasized Germany's commitment to ensuring that crimes against humanity are never repeated.
“The overwhelming majority of the people of my country stand up resolutely to those who glorify or justify the criminal National Socialism,” he stated.
Friedrich Merz, another prominent German politician, indirectly criticized the US administration's approach to media freedom, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the changing dynamics in US-European relations.
“The US vice-president made it clear: decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending. From now on, things will be different, and Europe needs to adjust to that,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Vance's speech also drew comparisons to Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2007 declaration opposing a subordinate role for Russia in global affairs. The parallels suggest a broader shift in international relations, with the once-automatic US support for Europe no longer guaranteed. This shift aligns with values attributed to the Trump administration, which often diverge from those held by many Europeans.
“For years, we’ve been told that everything we fund and support is in the name of our shared democratic values,” Vance noted.
Critics have accused Vance of undermining transatlantic unity by focusing on internal European issues while ignoring external threats. His remarks have sparked debates about the future of US-European relations and the potential rise of populist movements across Europe.
“If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you, nor, for that matter, is there anything that you can do for the American people who elected me and elected President Trump,” Vance asserted.
Chancellor Scholz cautioned that Germany might not endure if it fails to adapt to these new realities. He stressed the importance of confronting both historical and contemporary challenges to maintain national cohesion.
“The AfD is a party from the ranks of which National Socialism and its monstrous crimes, crimes against humanity, like the ones committed in Dachau, were trivialised as just a ‘speck of bird shit in German history’,” Scholz warned.