This weekend, the historic Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich will again host many of the world's leading security policymakers, diplomats, and thought leaders for the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC).
From February 16 - 18, 2024, the MSC will be the platform for high-level discussions on the most pressing global security challenges, marking a significant milestone in its six-decade history.
A world getting more real - The MSC communications environment:
The 2024 MSC takes place against a backdrop of immense global uncertainty.
From the Munich Security Report 2024 - executive summary:
"Amid growing geopolitical tensions and rising economic uncertainty, many governments no longer focus on the absolute benefits of global cooperation but are increasingly concerned that they are gaining less than others.
"Prioritizing relative payoffs may well spur lose-lose dynamics – jeopardizing cooperation and undermining an order that, despite its obvious flaws, can still help grow the proverbial pie for the benefit of all.
"... people in all G7 countries polled for the Munich Security Index 2024 expect China and other powers from the Global South to become much more powerful in the next ten years while they see their own countries stagnating or declining. As more and more states define their success relative to others, a vicious cycle of relative-gains thinking, prosperity losses, and growing geopolitical tensions threatens to unroll. The resulting lose-lose dynamics are already unfolding in many policy fields and engulfing various regions."
Key global business issues likely to dominate discussions at the MSC:
The Ukraine War + Moscow's imperial ambitions
China's growing militarization + Beijing trying to convert East Asia into its exclusive sphere of influence
Escalation of violence, terrorist attacks + the humanitarian emergency in the Middle East
Losing the chance for peace + democratic progress in the Sahel
Geopolitical tensions transforming globalization + the rise of "de-risking" economic relationships
Climate policy + the rollout of green technologies
Geopolitical tensions fragmenting the tech sector + much-needed global regulations on AI and data security
Who to watch:
The MSC regularly attracts high-profile attendees, including heads of state and government, foreign ministers, defense ministers, and renowned security experts. This year, key figures to watch include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang (unconfirmed).
Why watch the MSC?
The 60th Munich Security Conference promises to be a pivotal event, offering valuable insights into the state of global security and shaping the international agenda for this year and beyond.
Sure, there will be lots of lofty speeches, chinwagging, and few deliverables, but a multilateral, high-profile policy event like the MSC is worth paying attention to.
The MSC will provide insights into what complex topics keep senior government officials awake at night and identify global business issues that will challenge the C-Suite for the next five to ten years.
