Munich Security Conference: The who's who of attendees and a Sitrep special
The great and the good of the transatlantic defence and diplomatic establishment are set to land in Munich later this week – with some notable exceptions – as a report is published criticising US president Donald Trump for taking a "bulldozer" to international rules and order.
This year's edition of the Munich Security Report said the "world has entered a period of wrecking-ball politics", leading to the destruction of the traditional US-led post-1945 international order.
It sets the stage for a combative atmosphere in Germany, after last year's conference saw US vice president JD Vance delivering an explosive speech in which he berated Europe for its free speech and migration policies, and claimed the biggest threat to the continent's security came from within.
"The most powerful of those who take the axe to existing rules and institutions is US president Donald Trump," the report said, adding that the US' "bulldozer politics promises to break institutional inertia and compel problem-solving challenges marked by gridlock".
It also highlighted Washington's change to using a more transactional style of politics, and claimed that it is driven by private interests rather than in the interests of the public.
"The effects are particularly apparent in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, where governments have long relied on and hugely benefited from "Pax Americana," it said.
Close to 50 heads of states will gather for the conference, which runs from 13 to 15 February at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and the Rosewood Munich. So, who is going, who isn't, and what's on the agenda for discussion?
Who's in
On the US side, secretary of state Marco Rubio is leading the American delegation after Mr Vance's controversial appearance last year. Mr Rubio, 54, is seen as more diplomatic and often plays the role of Mr Trump's fixer on the world stage.
From Europe, German chancellor Friedrich Merz will coordinate a large delegation from the German Federal Government. He'll be joined by French president Emmanuel Macron, Polish president Donald Tusk and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelenskyy will make an appearance, according to Ukrainian media, and will use the occasion to call for more coordination on security measures at a European level.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte will also be in attendance, having overseen a redistribution of the alliance's command structure in recent days, with the United Kingdom taking over command of Joint Force Command Norfolk from the US.
His role leading the transatlantic alliance means walking a tightrope between the US and Europe, seeking to appease Mr Trump into not shattering the fragile relationship while not being seen to be abandoning his European compatriots.
Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is also coming to the conference amid Washington's continued attempts to seize Greenland through a variety of options, including buying the island.
Who is out?
The two most powerful, and volatile global players, are notably absent from the conference.
Neither Donald Trump nor Vladimir Putin are attending, although the long arm of their respective foreign policies will be an everpresent force as attendees ponder the myriad and wide-ranging threats Russia poses to Europe, and the security implications of American isolationism.
What's on the agenda?
Despite being titled the Munich Security Conference, the focus of the event is as much on diplomatic ties. With this in mind, reports suggest Mr Merz will use his opening remarks to set out a clearer stance on Germany's foreign and security policy, which will have ramifications for the entirety of Europe given the nation's status as the continent's largest spender on defence in absolute terms.
The first day of the conference is also expected to include a meeting of European leaders to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, while the German leader is also expected to meet with his Baltic counterparts to discuss the surety of Nato's eastern flank.
Last but certainly not least, BFBS Forces News Reporter Simon Newton and Professor Michael Clarke will be hosting a special edition of BFBS Sitrep from the conference on 15 February, where they'll be discussing the highs and lows and picking out any explosive moments.
You'll be able to watch on the Forces News YouTube channel, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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