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Putin's speech at the 43rd Munich Security Conference in 2007 was, at the invitation of Chairman Horst Teltschik, the first speech by a Russian head of state at the Security Conference. The main topics of his speech on February 10, 2007 were the "Unipolar World Order", NATO's eastward expansion, disarmament and the Iranian nuclear program.[1] Putin's speech is seen as Russia's message to the West that it will not accept a subordinate role in world politics. Thus, the speech marked a significant change in Russian foreign policy and signaled a more assertive and independent stance on the international stage. Putin made it clear that Russia is ready to defend its interests and take a more active role in shaping the global order.[2][3]
The speech caused a sensation worldwide. Participants and the media spoke partly shocked of an incendiary speech and a new Cold War.
In retrospect, critics see Putin's statements as early signs of Russia's imperial turnaround, which led to the Ukraine war and threatens the Western order. The Russian government and supporters of the speech see it as an early and clear warning from Putin against the alleged hegemonic claim of the USA. The USA, NATO and the EU are said to have ignored this warning and subsequently provoked a military conflict in Eastern Europe instead of accepting and promoting a multipolar world order.[4][5][6][7]