Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC) 2026
In 2026, the Aspen Institute Germany once again served as an Institutional Partner of the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to advancing international dialogue on cyber and information security. As one of the leading global forums in this field, the MCSC brings together high-level representatives from government, industry, academia, and civil society to address the most pressing cyber-related challenges.
The conference placed particular emphasis on leadership responsibility across sectors and explored how coordinated, cross-border, and cross-industry approaches can strengthen resilience against evolving cyber threats. By fostering strategic exchange and forward-looking debate, the MCSC contributes to shaping the future direction of cyber security policy worldwide.
As part of its partnership, Aspen Germany supported the conference organization and plays a key role in developing the annual Conference Report. Further information on the MCSC is available online, along with the 2025 Conference Report and Cyber Security Study.
Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026
Building on its engagement since 2024, the Aspen Institute Germany continued to actively contribute to the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in 2026. Through a series of official and unofficial side events, Aspen Germany created spaces for in-depth discussion on contemporary security challenges, democratic resilience, and geopolitical competition.
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, Aspen Institute Germany organized, together with various partners, a series of high-level discussions on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The day began with an official MSC-side event panel discussion titled “Weapons of Mass Persuasion: Evaluating the Growth of Influence-for-Hire Networks in Hybrid Warfare,” co-hosted with Tagesspiegel and Amerikahaus Munich. Taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Amerikahaus Munich, the panel examined the increasing role of commercialized influence operations in contemporary hybrid conflict environments.
This was followed by an official MSC-side event Oxford-style debate on “Keeping the Peace or Fueling the Fire? The Future of Nuclear Deterrence,” co-hosted with Amerikahaus Munich, Tagesspiegel and the Academic Association for Security Studies (BSH). Scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Amerikahaus Munich, the debate brought together differing perspectives on the role of nuclear deterrence in today’s security landscape and its implications for international stability.
The series of events concluded with a panel discussion titled “Defending Democracy: Countering Information Manipulation in Eastern and Southeastern Europe,” co-hosted with the Southeast Europe Association e.V. (SOG). Taking place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mindspace Viktualienmarkt, the discussion focused on challenges to democratic institutions posed by information manipulation and explored policy responses and resilience-building measures in the region.
