The State of Leadership in Europe | Trump's Effect on Global Leadership
While all of Europe protests, Ursula von der Leyen, continues to consolidate her power, leading with an iron grip. Thanks to Trump, we did not see her escalate NATO and the EU into a full-scale war with Russia. On the other hand, she is a candle in the wind , deregulating the very policies that contributed to the decline of European industry.
It is all part of a pattern in which she and a close-knit circle of largely German advisers run the show, avoiding scrutiny from the European Parliament while maintaining strict control over messaging and communication.
So, Trump is disrupting European Biden allies and Zelensky's ambitions , preventing the flow of more weapons aimed at defeating Russia. Europe eagerly fell into the trap of uniting behind NATO under the guise of democracy, much like past historical strategies. Now, one after another , European leaders rush to Washington, and their unity is already unraveling as they begin throwing each other under the bus. Meanwhile, Britain still clings to the illusion of Churchill-era global influence. Perhaps a more realistic perspective is needed, along with an understanding of the origins of the Trump-Zelensky dispute. Trump, however, remains steadfast in his assertion that Zelensky is a poor actor.
All eyes are now on Germany. As expected, the conservative CDU/CSU won about 29% of the vote , with the AFD, labeled as a far-right party, securing 20%. Friedrich Merz is set to lead Germany, potentially isolating Europe from the U.S., viewing any U.S.-Russia diplomacy as an alignment with Moscow. However, Germany and the EU remain dependent on both U.S. and Russian energy. Given their limited natural resources and financial constraints, their posturing may prove to be little more than bluster. Meanwhile, Trump has the numbers to support his approach.
Friedrich Merz has long aspired to lead the EU, aiming to transform Germany and Europe into a military powerhouse. However, if Trump maneuvers wisely, peace in Ukraine could be achieved before Merz even forms a coalition. Interestingly, the AFD, with its 20% support , advocates for ending the war, whereas the other parties seek its continuation. This paradox sees the AFD branded as extremist for promoting peace, while Merz, pushing for long-range missile deployment, embraces the role of a war hawk. Perhaps a lesson on how to lose a war is in order before Merz assumes leadership.
For more context, here is an analysis from The Guardian. Time will tell if Merz’s ties to BlackRock influence his policies. Given BlackRock’s vested interests in Russia, their alignment with Trump’s approach may not be surprising.
As biographers Falke-Ischinger and Goffart write, Merz was expected to accompany the company’s management to client meetings, promote BlackRock at investor conferences, and facilitate discussions with members of the Bundestag and other political decision-makers. He described himself as an "active chairman of the supervisory board," leading the sales efforts. Meanwhile, his longtime political rival, Angela Merkel, maintained her preference for simplicity—symbolized by her fondness for traditional Pomeranian potato soup with bacon.
For more context, here is an analysis from The Guardian. Time will tell if Merz’s ties to BlackRock influence his policies. Given BlackRock’s vested interests in Russia, their alignment with Trump’s approach may not be surprising.
As biographers Falke-Ischinger and Goffart write, Merz was expected to accompany the company’s management to client meetings, promote BlackRock at investor conferences, and facilitate discussions with members of the Bundestag and other political decision-makers. He described himself as an "active chairman of the supervisory board," leading the sales efforts. Meanwhile, his longtime political rival, Angela Merkel, maintained her preference for simplicity—symbolized by her fondness for traditional Pomeranian potato soup with bacon.
