Rubio Warns Mass Migration Threatens Western Civilization at Munich Security Conference
MUNICH, Germany — Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a pointed address at the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, warning European leaders that unchecked mass migration poses a serious threat to Western civilization. Rejecting the post-Cold War notion of a “world without borders,” Rubio cautioned that the idealistic belief in the erosion of national boundaries has proven to be a “dangerous delusion” that ignores both human nature and historical precedent.
“This was a foolish idea that ignored both human nature, and it ignored the lessons of over 5,000 years of recorded human history. And it has cost us dearly,” Rubio said, emphasizing the need for countries to regain control over their borders to preserve cultural heritage and national security.
Addressing an audience of global policymakers, Rubio urged U.S. allies not to be “shackled by guilt and shame” regarding immigration policies but to instead be “proud of their culture and heritage.” He underscored that border security is not about exclusion but about responsibility and the sustainable management of migration flows.
Rubio’s remarks come amid ongoing debates in Europe over immigration policy and border control, with some nations implementing stricter measures to curb population growth and migration pressures. His speech echoed concerns raised by officials in the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which have highlighted the challenges posed by large-scale migration in recent years.
The Secretary of State also criticized the post-Cold War belief in the “end of history,” a theory popularized in the 1990s that liberal democracy would inevitably spread and render national borders obsolete. Rubio described this idea as ignoring the realities of global politics and the enduring importance of sovereignty.
“We must also gain control of our national borders, controlling who and how many people enter our countries,” Rubio asserted, calling for stronger partnerships among Western nations to safeguard shared values and security interests.
Rubio’s speech aligns with a broader U.S. foreign policy approach that emphasizes national sovereignty and secure borders, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State. His comments also come as European countries grapple with demographic challenges and political pressures related to migration.
While some critics argue that strict border controls may undermine humanitarian obligations, Rubio maintained that responsible border management is essential to maintaining social cohesion and protecting Western civilization’s cultural identity.
The Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of international leaders and security experts, provided a prominent platform for Rubio to articulate these views amid rising geopolitical tensions and migration debates worldwide.
As migration continues to shape global politics, Rubio’s call for a renewed focus on national borders and cultural pride highlights the ongoing struggle between globalization and sovereignty in the 21st century.
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