Munich Security Conference | Selected Key Speeches, Vol. 1

For over six decades, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) has been at the heart of shaping global security, providing a platform where history is debated and, at times, made. Volume I of our "Selected Key Speeches" series celebrates this legacy by presenting a curated selection of what we call "Munich Moments" — speeches that have not only defined the conference but also influenced the trajectory of international security policy.

This first volume focuses on pivotal speeches addressing "the elephants in the room" — moments of profound clarity and debate that captured the spirit of their time. From Helmut Kohl's vision for European security to Vladimir Putin's 2007 address, these speeches reflect the weight, urgency, and impact of the MSC's dialogue. They illustrate recurring themes such as transatlantic burden-sharing and Germany's evolving role in global security, while also charting the geopolitical shifts that have shaped the decades.

Explore highlights from Volume I and join us in reflecting on the speeches that continue to shape the global security agenda.