AGI News
AGI at the 2026 Munich Security Conference
MSC/Jan Zappner
The American-German Institute hosted a series of events in Germany during the week of the Munich Security Conference. Our events engaged top policymakers on transatlantic security, addressed challenges and opportunities for transatlantic economic cooperation, and convened fellowship alumni to discuss scholarship. AGI President Jeff Rathke spoke to the media about the transatlantic relationship and how Secretary of State Rubio’s message in Munich compared to that of Vice President Vance in 2025.
Press
Washington Post: Ocasio-Cortez, Rubio to offer dueling visions of world order in Munich
The Times: Marco Rubio calms the floor but his message to Europe is as hardline as ever
Wall Street Journal: U.S. and Europe, No Longer Kindred Souls, Enter a Marriage of Convenience
Norddeutscher Rundfunk: Sicherheitskonferenz: “Rubios Botschaft wie die von Vance, nur besser verpackt”
Zeit Online’s Das Politikteil podcast: “Rubio war JD Vance ohne Bart”
Events
Saturday, February 14, 2026: “An Alliance in Flux: Remaking the German-American Vision for Transatlantic Security in an Uncertain World”
In partnership with the American Council on Germany.
In his first year in office, President Donald J. Trump has set a new course in U.S. foreign and security policy, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also taken Germany in a new direction, promoting a stronger German leadership role in international affairs. The ongoing war in Ukraine and concerns over Russia, continuing tensions in the Middle East, unease over China’s economic and military ambitions, and the U.S. prioritization of the Western Hemisphere are among the myriad issues that will test the transatlantic relationship in the year ahead. This official MSC side event serves as a unique platform for promoting frank and open conversation about the issues shaping the German-American partnership. We are proud that this event has become one of the most important gatherings for American and German elected officials and other thought leaders attending the MSC.
Speakers:
Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor of Germany, Federal Minister of Finance
Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator (D-NH)
Tom Tillis, U.S. Senator (R-NC)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026: “The Transatlantic Economy in 2026: Present Uncertainties and Future Strategy”
Since the signing of the United States-European Union bilateral trade deal on July 27, 2025, two key issues are emerging that will determine the short- and long-term health of the transatlantic economic relationship. First, how will German and EU approaches to economic security evolve in the coming year, and will they offer a platform for joint efforts with the United States, especially as regards China and its manufacturing and technology challenges? Second, it has been clear for at least ten years that the global trading system needs updating. How can the United States, Germany, the EU, and other key economies work together to reform existing institutions and to create new ones to address national security, industrial policy, supply chains, energy and climate challenges, and technologies like artificial intelligence that also respond to domestic political dynamics? This event will examine the frictions and opportunities in the transatlantic economic relationship as well as future strategies to reshape the global trading system in a way that better advances their joint interests and prosperity.
The event was hosted by Berenberg Bank in Frankfurt. Karin Müller, the State of Hesse’s State Secretary for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Debureaucratization, gave an impulse statement. Panelists were Bryant Trick, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East; Christian Forwick, Deputy Director-General, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; Frances Burwell, Managing Director and Head of Research, McLarty Associates; Brian Egan, Partner, National Security, CFIUS, International Trade, Skadden; Gabriel Felbermayr, Director, Austrian Institute for Economic Research; Matthias Krämer, Head External Economic Policy, Federation of German Industries/BDI; David Metzner, Managing Partner, ACG Analytics; Markus Pflitsch, CEO and Founder, Terra Quantum; and Laura von Daniels, Senior Research Fellow, Americas Research Unit, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP).
Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Private Dinner with Remarks from General Christopher Donahue
Following the symposium, AGI and Terra Quantum AG hosted a dinner with remarks from General Christopher Donahue, Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, on the importance of the U.S.-German defense partnership for NATO and transatlantic security.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026: DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Alumni Networking Breakfast
The networking breakfast was an opportunity for former DAAD/AGI Research Fellows to connect with other transatlantic experts and give updates on their research activities.
AGI President Jeff Rathke spoke at two MSC side events, “European-Led Defense and Nordic and Eastern European Security,” an international roundtable hosted by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Munich, and the Petra Kelly Foundation’s “Die 62. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz. Eine Nachbetrachtung” at the Munich Press Club.
