Insights from Literature and AI Experts on Preparing for Extreme Crises
On the third day of the Munich Security Conference 2026, Saturday, February 14, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. CET, the Saal on the third floor of the Literaturhaus München (Salvatorplatz 1, 80333 Munich) will host the event “Security in an Apocalyptic World”, a discussion exploring security in catastrophic and dystopian scenarios. Attendance is free, but registration is required. The session is part of the Security and Literature Series,, organized in partnership with DIE ZEIT, which brings together literature, political analysis, and international security to show how storytelling can illuminate complex strategic challenges.
Among the speakers is Marc Elsberg, the internationally renowned Austrian author of the bestsellers Blackout and Zero. His novels, focused on technological crises and infrastructure collapse, combine gripping thrillers with realistic research, raising awareness of the risks of digital dependence and critical system vulnerabilities. In Blackout, Elsberg imagines the collapse of Europe’s entire power grid, while Zero explores the implications of artificial intelligence and data control in contemporary society. His participation offers a unique narrative perspective on apocalyptic security, demonstrating how literature can anticipate scenarios often overlooked by traditional strategic analysis.
Joining him is Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI) in San Francisco and one of the world’s leading experts on existential risks from advanced artificial intelligence. His research focuses on AI alignment, ensuring that AI systems more capable than humans act according to objectives that are safe for humanity. Soares is known for explaining complex concepts in an accessible way and will provide a scientific and strategic perspective on global security in extreme scenarios, complementing Elsberg’s narrative approach.
The discussion will be moderated by Anna Sauerbrey, journalist and opinion editor at DIE ZEIT, experienced in guiding debates on complex and controversial topics. Sauerbrey will facilitate the conversation between the author and the scientist, balancing technical depth with cultural accessibility, and engaging the audience in reflection on apocalyptic scenarios and the future challenges of security.
The Security and Literature Series has become a key part of the Munich Security Conference, exploring how literature and the arts can contribute to understanding contemporary and future security issues. This year’s event highlights the crucial role of storytelling in grappling with complex crises and preparing for uncertain futures.
From 13 to 15 February 2026, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) will once again bring together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, experts, and representatives of civil society to discuss the most pressing challenges to international security.
On this occasion, Gianluca Costantini will follow the conference through a live illustrated reportage on social networks. Drawing in real time, Costantini will translate key moments, debates, and atmospheres of the MSC into images, offering a visual narrative that runs alongside the political discussion.
His live-drawing practice turns complex geopolitical themes into an immediate and accessible visual language, capturing not only statements and concepts, but also tensions, gestures, and the human dimension of global decision-making.
Through this illustrated live coverage, the Munich Security Conference will be observed from a unique perspective — where art, journalism, and international affairs intersect.
To contact the illustrator: email
Download high-resolution drawings: Link
The drawings of the Munich Security Conference 2025 | Gallery
