Part 4/11:
Vance’s pointed critique incited strong reactions among European officials. Germany’s Defense Minister interrupted Vance multiple times during his speech, crying out “No!” in disagreement. Additionally, the Munich conference’s organizers faced backlash for excluding populist politicians from discussions, a move perceived as suppressing alternative viewpoints under the guise of combatting disinformation.
The turmoil was further evidenced when the conference’s chair broke down in tears, lamenting the perceived erosion of shared values between Europe and the United States. Critics argue that Europe’s crackdown on dissent signals a retreat from democratic openness—raising questions about future cooperation with the U.S., especially on critical issues like security and foreign policy.