The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is an annual international forum in Munich where heads of state, ministers, military and security experts, and diplomats debate pressing international security issues and launch diplomatic initiatives; its stated purpose is to shape global security policy and foster cooperation among allies and partners.
Viktor Orbán is Hungary’s prime minister (in office since 2010), known for nationalist, illiberal policies and clashes with EU institutions over rule-of-law and democratic backsliding; meetings with him are notable/controversial because his government has resisted EU/U.S. pressure on Russia, opposed some Western policies on Ukraine, and pursued closer ties with Moscow, raising concerns among Western allies.
U.S. policy since 2022 has pushed allies to reduce dependence on Russian oil and gas, supported sanctions and a global price cap on Russian crude, and urged diversification of supplies and increased energy security — while continuing diplomatic discussions with European partners over purchases and energy resilience.
The ‘‘Greenland’’ issue refers to long‑standing U.S. strategic interest in Greenland’s Arctic location and infrastructure (and past U.S. proposals, including a 2019 U.S. offer to buy Greenland); recent U.S. interest centers on Arctic security, basing, infrastructure and resource access rather than a formal purchase — officials talk about cooperation, investment and defense ties.
When U.S. officials meet President Zelenskyy at international conferences they typically discuss security assistance (weapons, air-defence, training), sanctions and economic measures on Russia, humanitarian aid and reconstruction planning, diplomatic coordination and guarantees for Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
Rubio’s phrase likely points to shifts since the Cold War/post‑1991 era: growing geopolitical competition (notably China’s rise), Russia’s revanchism and renewed European security concerns, energy and supply‑chain vulnerabilities, and a move toward a more multipolar, security‑centric international order that requires rethinking alliances and strategy.