Hare Pens Op-Ed on Trump’s Complex Relationship with Europe
In an opinion piece titled “An Ocean Between Us” published on July 31, 2024, former UK diplomat Paul Hare, Master Lecturer in International Relations at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), analyzes former President Donald Trump’s stance on Europe and its implications for future U.S.-European relations.
Hare points out the irony in Trump’s lack of affinity for Europe despite having what he calls “the most European” family background of any U.S. president in the last century. He details Trump’s extensive European family connections, including his German grandparents, Scottish mother, and Slovenian wife.
The op-ed highlights Trump’s critical stance on NATO, particularly his harsh rhetoric towards members not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target. Hare notes that this position could put countries like Slovenia, Melania Trump’s homeland, at risk due to their lower defense spending.
Hare emphasizes the strong economic ties between the U.S. and Europe, arguing that despite Trump’s rhetoric, Europe remains crucial to U.S. economic interests. He warns that a conflict in Europe could severely impact U.S. jobs and economic stability.
The former diplomat observes a shift in Trump’s business focus from Europe to the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. Hare suggests this could influence Trump’s foreign policy priorities.
Hare discusses Trump’s preference for personal relationships in diplomacy, noting his admiration for leaders like Viktor Orbán and Vladimir Putin, while lacking warm relationships with Western European leaders.
In his op-ed, Hare offers strategic advice for European leaders in dealing with a potential return of Trump to the White House, including appealing to Trump’s desire to be seen as a peacemaker and emphasizing shared economic interests.
Hare concludes by urging European leaders to be proactive in their approach to a potential Trump presidency, arguing that despite Trump’s “ocean between us” rhetoric, the interconnected nature of today’s world means that events in Europe have direct implications for U.S. security and prosperity.
The article can be accessed here.
Ambassador Paul Hare was a British diplomat for 30 years and the British ambassador to Cuba from 2001-04. He now teaches classes at Boston University on Diplomatic Practice, Arms Control, Intercultural Communication, and on Cuba in Transition. His novel, “Moncada — A Cuban Story,” set in modern Cuba, was published in 2010. His book, “Making Diplomacy Work; Intelligent Innovation for the Modern World” was published in 2015. Learn more about him here.