No One Is Ready for What Comes Next… | Victor Davis Hanson

In February 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a provocative speech at the Munich Security Conference, sharply criticizing European leaders for undermining free speech and democratic values.

He contended that Europe's greatest threat comes from within, citing mass migration and suppression of dissenting voices as key issues. Vance highlighted incidents such as arrests for silent prayer and fines for controversial posts, accusing European elites of creating a "guided society" that restricts electoral outcomes and criminalizes dissent to maintain control. His remarks underscored a clash between populist movements in the U.S. and technocratic elites in Europe, questioning the authenticity of European democracy and hinting at broader implications for U.S.-Europe relations.

The speech prompted strong reactions from European officials. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius refuted Vance's claims, stating that questioning Europe's democracies and comparing them to authoritarian regimes is "not acceptable."

The controversy highlighted a deepening divide between the U.S. and its European allies, with concerns over the future of transatlantic relations.

In the wake of Vance's address, high-level EU-U.S. diplomatic talks were called off, citing "scheduling issues," amid rising political tensions. The U.S. administration's recent actions, including a shift in stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and criticism of European democratic practices, have strained relations further.