MSC/Jan Zappner
An Alliance in Flux: Remaking the German-American Vision for Transatlantic Security in an Uncertain World
Welcome:
John Emerson, Chairman, American Council on Germany
Georg Schaeffler, Chairman, American-German Institute
Speakers:
Lars Klingbeil, German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance (SPD)
Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Senator (D-NH)
Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (R-NC)
Moderator:
Jeff Rathke, President, AGI
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 by promoting a stronger German – and European – 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 now military escalations in Latin America are among the myriad issues that will test the transatlantic relationship in the year ahead. These issues are also high on the agenda when world leaders gather at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 13 – 15, 2026.
This year’s joint side event with the American-Council on Germany focused on whether the transatlantic community is prepared to move forward together – or if it is at risk of drifting apart in an increasingly fragmented world.
Location
Hotel Bayerischer Hof - Königssaal
Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333 Munich, Germany
