JD Vance’s Munich speech laid bare the collapse of the transatlantic alliance

The US vice-president was hypocritical and insensitive, but bracingly clear in his resetting of relationships

Since 1963, the Munich Security Conference has seen many consequential speeches, notably Vladimir Putin announcing in 2007 that Russia would never accept a subordinate role in the new world order. But Friday’s speech by JD Vance, the US vice-president, has the potential to be the most consequential – the moment the world order against which Putin railed fell apart.

Sometimes, even in this digital age, speeches can act as clarifiers. Yes, the 22 minutes were full of laughable hypocrisy, distorted portraits of European democracy and insensitivity to Europe’s trauma with fascism, but for what it said about the chasm in values between most in Europe and the Trump administration, it was hard to overlook.

Topics

John Major accuses US of ‘cuddling’ up to Putin and condemns JD Vance’s Munich speech – Europe live

The former UK prime minister says democracy in Europe and across the globe is ‘under threat’ . ‘We can’t just be supine’: UK Liberal Democrat leader urges Starmer to stand up to ‘bully’ Trump ...
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European leaders, media stunned by JD Vance's speech

Vice President JD Vance stunned European leaders in Munich this week with a speech in which he painted a picture of European politics infected by media censorship and political correctness. ...
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JD Vance attacks Europe over free speech and migration

The vice-president's speech at the Munich Security Conference was denounced by several European leaders.
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JD Vance stuns Munich conference with blistering attack on Europe’s leaders

US vice-president questions whether European values are worth defending as he rails against ‘threat from within’. Explainer: how do JD Vance’s Europe claims stand up? The US vice-president, JD ...
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The Guardian view on JD Vance in Munich: Europe must stand up for its values | Editorial

The vice-president’s speech on Friday was another wake-up call for European leaders. On defence and in other areas, they need to chart their own course. In 2007, Vladimir Putin delivered a speech ...
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