As quoted by The Guardian, Whitaker dismissed the report’s assertion that the United States has become a driver of global instability. “That’s the first thing I reject,” he said. “We’re trying to make NATO stronger, not to withdraw or reject NATO, but make it work like it was intended—as an alliance of 32 strong and capable allies.”
The 2026 MSC report warned that the most serious threat to the liberal international order may now be internal, pointing to shifts in U.S. foreign policy that challenge long-standing principles of multilateralism, rules-based trade, and democratic alliances. It cited growing unease in Europe, describing the transatlantic relationship as increasingly marked by “reassurance, conditionality, and coercion.”
Whitaker insisted the U.S. does not seek to dismantle alliances but to rebalance responsibilities among NATO members. “We’re pushing European allies to do more and to be capable and strong, because that strength is what guarantees the peace,” he said.
On trade, Whitaker criticized what he called Europe’s “unfair” trade advantage and a “huge surplus with the U.S.,” while expressing frustration at what he described as slow European decision-making: “There is a lot of discussion and not a lot of action.”
Regarding NATO defense spending, he called on allies to follow through on commitments. “European partners need to step up,” he said.
Pressed on U.S. interest in Greenland, Whitaker said the concern was about defending the territory from Russian and Chinese influence. He cited past Chinese attempts to invest in Greenland’s ports and airports as security risks.
While distancing himself from former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, he defended the underlying analysis, saying, “Responding to every single Truth Social or tweet by President Trump would be a full-time job.”
The MSC report described a world facing “wrecking-ball politics,” where radical restructuring is replacing incremental reform. It noted declining trust in political systems and rising appeal of actors promising to tear down rather than improve existing structures.
Europe’s dependence on U.S. security guarantees was another key theme. While transatlantic ties remain central, the report urged Europe to build more autonomous defense capabilities as American support can no longer be assumed.
Elsewhere, the report cited rising concerns in the Indo-Pacific over U.S. reliability and China’s increasingly assertive behavior, contributing to global instability. Still, it suggested current turbulence may offer opportunities for long-stalled reforms and new partnerships.
Whether that translates into a more stable international order remains uncertain, the report concludes.
The Munich Security Conference, set to be held February 13–15, will bring together around 65 heads of state and government, along with hundreds of global policymakers, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
(jh)
Source: PAP, The Guardian, Euronews