US Secretary of State calls for renewed Western alliance

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - MUNICH — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Saturday for a renewed transatlantic alliance rooted in sovereignty, economic resilience and a shared Western identity during remarks at the Munich Security Conference.

Speaking at the annual gathering of global leaders in Germany, Rubio described the current moment as a turning point for Europe and the United States, drawing parallels to the Cold War era when the conference was first convened in 1963.

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“We gather here today as members of a historic alliance, an alliance that saved and changed the world,” Rubio said, recalling a divided Europe and the existential threat posed by Soviet communism.

He argued that post-Cold War optimism led to what he described as flawed assumptions about globalization and liberal democracy.

“The euphoria of this triumph led us to a dangerous delusion ... that every nation would now be a liberal democracy,” he said, adding that excessive reliance on global institutions, free trade policies and mass migration had weakened Western societies and undermined economic sovereignty.

Rubio outlined the foreign policy direction of President Donald Trump’s administration, emphasizing national interests, stronger borders and industrial renewal.

“Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration,” he said, noting that Washington seeks to pursue that vision alongside European allies.

Highlighting shared cultural and historical ties, Rubio described the transatlantic relationship as rooted in “one civilization, Western civilization,” and urged European partners to strengthen defense capabilities and maintain what he called cultural confidence.

He said alliances should extend beyond military cooperation to include technological competition, supply chain security and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and space exploration.

“Armies fight for a people. Armies fight for a nation. Armies fight for a way of life,” Rubio said, arguing that Western countries must clearly define the values they aim to defend.

Rubio also addressed the international system, saying global institutions must be reformed to remain effective. While acknowledging the United Nations’ potential, he said it had failed to resolve several major crises, citing Gaza, Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program as examples where US-led initiatives or military action played decisive roles.

During a question-and-answer session, Rubio spoke about the war in Ukraine, saying negotiations remain uncertain despite some technical-level contacts between Russian and Ukrainian officials.

“We don’t know if the Russians are serious about ending the war,” he said, adding that sanctions and military support for Kyiv would continue while Washington explores the possibility of a negotiated settlement that is “just and sustainable.”

On China, Rubio stressed the need for continued dialogue despite strategic rivalry ahead of a planned summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“It would be geopolitical malpractice to not be in conversations with China,” he said, while cautioning that any agreements must not come at the expense of US national interests.

Rubio concluded by urging Europe and the United States to reject narratives of Western decline and instead revitalize their partnership.

“We do not seek to separate but to revitalize an old friendship and renew the greatest civilization in human history,” he said.