In the tumultuous landscape of international relations, one fact remains clear: diplomacy is not as simple as making a deal at a farmers’ market. For former President Trump, who fancied himself the great negotiator, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine poses quite the conundrum. Under his watch, he claims, the war would never have started. However, it’s one thing to claim you would’ve stopped a war that started on someone else’s watch, and another entirely to solve the mess that’s unfolding now.
The former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union elaborates on the complex dance that Trump would have been engaged in had he been in charge. It’s a blend of carrots and sticks—or more accurately, a delicate balancing act between force and diplomacy. But one can’t help but smile at the thought of Trump trying to ‘carrot stick’ his way back into some semblance of peace. Diplomacy certainly requires finesse, not just bombast.
One major issue at hand is sanctions. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if sanctions just affected Putin alone? Unfortunately, the reality is more convoluted as sanctions ripple through global economies, affecting allies and trading partners alike. Trump himself faced the tricky situation of having to sanction countries like India despite budding trade relationships. It’s not as if we can just flip a switch to make the pain of sanctions disappear for everyone but the intended target, try as we might.
When it comes to military assistance for Ukraine, Europe’s armory isn’t overflowing with what’s needed. The reality is, much like a high school science fair where latecomers scramble for supplies, Europe needs to look to the United States for weapons. But, no one said international security was a bake sale, and when every step is a high-stakes calculation, it’s understandable why the Pentagon hesitates. After all, while supporting Ukraine is noble, one must also ensure the homeland’s safety isn’t compromised by oversharing its own defense stockpile.
Criticism abounds no matter the administration’s actions, and it’s no different for Trump, or any other leader for that matter. Yet, everyone loves to criticize from the comfort of an armchair while leaders attempt to navigate unprecedented scenarios. Whether it’s through shifting sanctions or military decisions, maintaining a cool head amidst such global tension is a feat. If only resolving international conflicts were as straightforward as a Twitter debate. But alas, diplomacy is perhaps the most intricate game—one where missteps have global consequences.
