CFR and the Munich Security Conference Announce New Partnership

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the Munich Security Conference (MSC) announced the creation of a new institutional partnership during the May 5–7 Munich Leaders Meeting in Washington, DC. The two institutions will partner on joint events, exchange expertise, and collaborate in other areas, all with the shared goal of driving the conversations shaping global policies.

“At this critical time in international relations, informed analysis and robust debate are more vital than ever,” said CFR President Michael Froman. “The Council and MSC are two institutions meeting this moment by convening experts and policymakers—now, we can partner together to help inform the policy decisions necessary for a more secure world.”

“The goal of the Munich Security Conference will always be to provide the best possible platforms for an open exchange of opinions, ideas, and solutions on the critical security policy issues of our time,” said Benedikt Franke, CEO of the Munich Security Conference. “Our partnership with CFR, one of the most influential foreign policy institutions in the United States, will augment our ability to bring world-class expertise and a dynamic, insightful community into our global gatherings.”

The mission of the Council is to inform U.S. engagement with the world. Since its founding over one hundred years ago, CFR’s values—of nonpartisanship, independence, expertise, and engagement—have guided its work as a leading foreign policy think tank, membership organization, convenor, educator, and publisher of the flagship magazine Foreign Affairs, among other publications. CFR generates policy-relevant ideas and analysis, convenes experts and policymakers, and promotes informed public discussion—all to have impact on the most consequential issues facing the United States and the world.

Over the course of the past six decades, MSC has developed into the world’s leading forum for the debate of international security policy. Each February, it brings together senior decision-makers and thought-leaders from around the world to engage in an intensive debate on current and future challenges. Repeatedly rated as the Best Think Tank Conference in the world, MSC provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discuss policy at the highest level in a protected and informal space. In addition to its annual flagship conference, MSC regularly convenes high-profile events on particular topics and regions and publishes the Munich Security Report.

A memorandum of understanding between the two institutions was signed by Franke and Shannon O’Neil, CFR’s senior vice president, director of studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg chair.