“Selected Key Speeches”: Munich Security Conference publishes a curated selection of iconic Munich speeches

For over six decades, the Munich Security Conference has been at the heart of shaping global security, providing a platform where history is debated and, at times, made. Volume I of the "Selected Key Speeches" series celebrates this legacy by presenting a curated selection of what the MSC calls "Munich Moments" — speeches that have not only defined the conference but also influenced the trajectory of international security policy.

This first volume focuses on pivotal speeches addressing "the elephants in the room" — moments of profound clarity and debate that captured the spirit of their time. From Helmut Kohl's vision for European security, to Vladimir Putin's 2007 address, to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s speech just days before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 — these speeches reflect the weight, urgency, and impact of the MSC's dialogue. They illustrate recurring themes such as transatlantic burden-sharing and Germany's evolving role in global security, while also charting the geopolitical shifts that have shaped the decades. Against this background, this volume is an attempt at opening a first window into the rich history of the MSC.

Two upcoming volumes will cover Vice President JD Vance's speech at the MSC 2025 and subsequent reactions to it, as well as the “hidden gems” — lesser-known yet equally significant speeches that dive deeper into the nuances of global security challenges.

The book was edited by Benedikt Franke, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the MSC, and published by Mittler Verlag. Find the full version of the volume on our website.

Journalists are invited to request free copies of the “Key Speeches” book.
 

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