As the Munich Security Report 2026 warns of “wrecking-ball politics” putting the international order “under destruction,” Cato Institute’s Justin Logan and Josh Shifrinson offer a different take in Foreign Affairs: Having achieved its strategic goals in Europe long ago, it is past time to return leadership of European security affairs to Europeans.

Their analysis makes the case for deliberate U.S. troop withdrawals, Europeanizing NATO leadership, and shifting America’s role to that of an offshore balancer — saving at least $70 to $80 billion annually while freeing resources for Asia and domestic priorities.

Logan and Shifrinson are available for interviews and commentary throughout the Munich Security Conference. Please contact Cato PR at pr@​cato.​org.