European Security Experts Say "Trump Is Dismantling the Postwar Order"... U.S. Pushes Back

Direct Critique in the "Munich Security Report 2026"
Munich Security Conference Opens This Week
Trump and Vance Absent...Rubio to Deliver Speech

Donald Trump, President of the United States, answered reporters' questions at the White House on the 6th (local time). AP Yonhap News

European security experts have raised their voices in criticism, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump is dismantling the international security order that has been built under U.S. leadership since World War II.

According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 9th (local time), the Munich Security Conference (MSC), in its "Munich Security Report 2026" released that day, described the current international situation as "wrecking ball politics" that is tearing down the existing order, and issued this criticism.

The report was released ahead of the Munich Security Conference, which opens on the 13th. The conference, attended by security stakeholders from Europe and the United States, is being held amid growing concern in Europe over Russia's military threat and the sharp shifts in security policy under the Trump administration.

The report noted that "the U.S. president, who played the largest role in shaping the postwar international order, is now dismantling that order," adding that "an order that has been built up for more than 80 years is being destroyed." It also added that, since President Trump took office, the United States has in effect relinquished its role as "leader of the free world."

The report cited as representative examples President Trump imposing tariffs on long-standing allies, taking an unstable stance on aid to Ukraine, and cutting assistance to developing countries. It particularly pointed out that the United States is downplaying the core postwar norms of the international order, namely territorial integrity and the prohibition on the use of force.

The report warned that this policy line could replace rules-based cooperation with a transaction-centered international order, and could lead to a world dominated by regional hegemonic powers instead of universal norms.

By contrast, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker rejected the report, saying, "I do not see the international order as collapsing," and arguing that the Trump administration has no intention of dismantling NATO. He further explained that President Trump's policies are intended to encourage Europe to strengthen its own capabilities.

In addition, the report presented opinion poll results showing that, among citizens of advanced democracies, confidence is weakening that existing democratic institutions can solve problems and improve their future lives.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that President Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are not expected to attend this week's Munich Security Conference. Instead, a speech by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to attend ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A large delegation made up of members of the U.S. Congress is likewise expected to participate.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.