IDU Reagan Thatcher Dinner at the Munich Security Conference
During the Munich Security Conference, global leaders and security experts gathered for this edition’s IDU’s Reagan-Thatcher Dinner, which hosted a discussion titled “East Meets West: How NATO and its Asian and Pacific Partners Can Fight Back Against the Axis of Autocrats.”
The IDU was pleased to welcome the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In his keynote speech, Johnson underscored the urgency of the international community standing together to defend freedom and democratic values. He stressed that NATO and its allies must reinforce their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, ensuring a robust Western response to deter further aggression and calling for greater strategic cooperation.
Moderated by David McAllister MEP, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the panel brought together The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who reiterated the need for European and transatlantic unity in supporting Ukraine and countering security threats; The Hon. Judith Collins KC MP, New Zealand’s Attorney-General and Minister of Defence, who provided an Indo-Pacific perspective emphasizing the importance of closer NATO-Pacific cooperation; Dr. Dan Twining, President of the International Republican Institute, who analyzed the foreign policy priorities of the new Trump Administration, noting a shift toward transactional diplomacy while reaffirming the United States’ recognition that European security remains vital to American interests.
The discussion underscored that NATO must deepen its engagement with its Indo-Pacific partners to address global security challenges more effectively. The panelists highlighted the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions, reinforcing deterrence against authoritarian regimes, and strengthening alliances among the world’s democracies.
The session reaffirmed that sustained transatlantic unity is essential for European stability and global security. While the new U.S. administration may take a more pragmatic, deal-oriented approach, its engagement with NATO remains crucial in shaping global security strategies. The discussion concluded with a collective call to action for stronger, coordinated cooperation between NATO, European nations, the U.S., and key Indo-Pacific allies to counter rising authoritarian threats. As geopolitical tensions persist, the partnership between NATO and Pacific democracies will become increasingly vital to maintaining global stability and defending the international rules-based order.
The IDU thanks our speakers, partners, and all guests who attended this year’s IDU Reagan-Thatcher Dinner in Munich.