Competing Forums for Global Security Dialogue: The Munich Security Conference and the Minsk Conference post 2022
Copyright (c) 2025 Lóránt Szabolcs
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The copyright to this article is transferred to the University of Public Service Budapest, Hungary (for U.S. government employees: to the extent transferable) effective if and when the article is accepted for publication. The copyright transfer covers the exclusive right to reproduce and distribute the article, including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature.
The author warrants that this contribution is original and that he/she has full power to make this grant. The author signs for and accepts responsibility for releasing this material on behalf of any and all co-authors.
An author may make an article published by University of Public Service available on a personal home page provided the source of the published article is cited and University of Public Service is mentioned as copyright holder
Abstract
This paper examines the evolution of competing international security dialogue platforms through a comparative analysis of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Minsk Conference (MC) during 2023–2024. Using Emanuel Adler and Michael Barnett’s Security Communities framework and Charles Tilly’s network configurations concept, it analyses how these forums represent distinct approaches to organising international security dialogue. The study demonstrates how the established MSC and the emerging Minsk Conference develop different institutional practices, governance structures and engagement patterns. While Munich emphasises multilateral engagement within a rules-based framework, Minsk promotes an alternative model centred on state sovereignty and Eurasian integration. This comparison reveals an emerging divide between Western and Eurasian approaches to international security dialogue, indicating a broader transformation in global security relations.
Keywords:
How to Cite
References
ADLER, Emanuel – BARNETT, Michael eds. (1998): Security Communities. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Online: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511598661
Belarus MFA (2023a): Speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus S. Aleinik at the High-level International Conference “Eurasian Security: Reality and Prospects in a Transforming World”. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, 26 October 2023. Online: https://mfa.gov.by/press/news_mfa/d7371731881f8f54.html
Belarus MFA (2023b): High-level International Conference “Eurasian Security: Reality and Prospects in a Transforming World”. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, 27 October 2023. Online: https://mfa.gov.by/en/press/news_mfa/b96e0b311918963e.html
Belarus Segodnya (2024): Serbian Deputy PM: Absolute Lack of International Law Is the Biggest Problem in Modern Conditions. Belarus Segodnya, 31 October 2024. Online: https://www.sb.by/en/serbian-deputy-pm-absolute-lack-of-international-law-is-biggest-problem-in-modern-conditions.html
CARR, Randolf – KOENIG, Nicole (2024): Dark Clouds and Silver Linings. Key Takeaways from the Munich Security Conference 2024. Debrief Paper, Munich Security Conference. Online: https://doi.org/10.47342/HIQV3321
ISCHINGER, Wolfgang – Stiftung Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz eds. (2014): Towards Mutual Security. Fifty Years of Munich Security Conference. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. Online: https://doi.org/10.13109/9783666300547
JIANG, Joyce (2024): China’s One-child Policy Hangover: Scarred Women Dismiss Beijing’s Pro-birth Agenda. CNN, 18 August 2024. Online: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/18/china/china-one-child-policy-hangover-intl-hnk/index.html
MSC (2023): Searching for a Common Vision. A Readout from the Munich Security Conference 2023. Munich Security Conference. Online: https://doi.org/10.47342/JPRD3642
Radio Svaboda (2024): Сіярта ў Менску загаварыў па-расейску і выказаў спадзеў, што яго не асудзяць у Брусэлі. [Szijjártó spoke in Russian in Minsk and expressed hope that he would not be condemned in Brussels]. Radio Svaboda, 31 October 2024. Online: https://www.svaboda.org/a/33181768.html
TASS (2024a): Eurasian Security Conference in Minsk to Rival Munich Event – Moscow-led Bloc’s Chief. TASS Russian News Agency, 1 July 2024. Online: https://tass.com/world/1810651
TASS (2024b): Slovakia, Hungary Intrigued by the Idea of a New Security Architecture for Eurasia – Lavrov. TASS Russian News Agency, 5 December 2024. Online: https://tass.com/politics/1882827
Xinhua (2024): Minsk Conference Focuses on Eurasian Security, World Multipolarity. People’s Daily Online, 1 November 2024. Online: http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/1101/c90000-20236535.html