Berlin Gets a Dose of Washington: US Senator Lindsey Graham's Visit and tips for Trump's Meeting with Merz
Senator conference with Merz in private discussion.
Let's chat about the buzz surrounding Berlin this week, with US Senator Lindsey Graham making a visit. Graham represents a lively topic from Germany's perspective as he's a staunch supporter of Ukraine and advocates for US sanctions against Russia. It's no wonder that he's found himself in meetings with Felix Wadephul and Friedrich Merz - the German Foreign Minister and the Federal Chancellor, respectively.
Thursday's meeting between Merz and Trump might just be the event that casts a long shadow. If Merz manages to establish a rapport with the US President, it could serve him well on multiple fronts.
Politics - The Storm Brewing: US Senators Back New Russia Sanctions
The main item on the agenda for Merz and Trump will likely revolve around Ukraine and the question of sanctions, with trade disputes in the mix as well. While the EU Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is officially in charge of the EU's responsibilities, Merz will coordinate with her on these matters. Tariffs are worthy of significant attention.
In light of this, Graham's political views find a common ground with the German government. He, along with Senator Richard Blumenthal, has drafted a sanctions package that could earn a broad bipartisan majority in the Senate, should Trump give his approval.
A Taste of Diplomacy: How Merz Meets Trump
Graham's foreign policy aligns with traditional Republican views: NATO support and a clear distance from Russia. Initially, Graham was critical of Trump's presidential bid, but now he's on board with Trump's line, occasionally striking a moderate tone and advocating for more aid to Ukraine. With this, he makes an interesting conversational partner for Merz.
Merz has already made attempts to build a rapport with Trump. After sharing pleasantries over a couple of phone calls and texts, they address each other as "Donald" and "Friedrich." Merz has even extended an invitation to Trump to visit Germany, pointing out that his ancestors hail from the Rhineland-Palatinate winemaking village of Kallstadt. The upcoming increase in German defense spending should also appease Trump. Merz, the head of the financial services firm Blackrock and chairman of the US-German association Atlantikbrücke, is well-acquainted with American customs and often travels to the US.
The Dance of Diplomacy: Navigating the Landmines
The talks between Merz and Trump are expected to be a challenge, given Trump's unreliability in matters related to Russia sanctions. During his trip to Kyiv three weeks prior, Merz, amongst others, received Trump's assurance that he would impose new sanctions on Russia if it did not comply with a ceasefire. However, Trump quickly backtracked on this assurance when talks between Putin and himself turned into fruitful bilateral discussions.
Graham's recent meetings with German officials, particularly with Wadephul, may have touched upon these matters, but the details have yet to be revealed. Still, the fact that a US senator is receiving high-level attention from German officials underscores the importance of Merz's meeting with Trump.
[1] DW, Ukraine conflict: Zelensky visits Germany to press for sanctions on Russia, https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-conflict-zelensky-visits-germany-to-press-for-sanctions-on-russia/a-58485534
[2] Reuters, Germany supports Ukraine in calling for Russia sanctions, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-supports-ukraine-calling-russia-sanctions-2021-05-11/
[3] DW, Ukraine conflict: Macron and Merkel to discuss new EU sanctions on Russia, https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-conflict-macron-and-merkel-to-discuss-new-eu-sanctions-on-russia/a-58385059
Enrichment Data:As the discussion between Merz and Trump unfolds, there are several significant elements that could surface:
- German Aid to Ukraine: Both Merz and Graham have advocated for more aid to Ukraine, and it's likely that this topic will be discussed during their meetings.
- Trade Disputes: As stated earlier, trade tensions between the EU and the US will likely be an important point of conversation. Trump has threatened tariffs on EU goods, and resolving these disputes is crucial for both involved parties.
- Climate Change: While not explicitly mentioned in the base article, it's worth noting that climate change is an international concern that the US and Germany should address during their meetings. The Biden administration has reentered the Paris Agreement, signaling a renewed commitment to international cooperation on this issue.
- Cybersecurity: As the world becomes increasingly digital, the threat of cyberattacks grows. Cybersecurity cooperation between the US and Germany is crucial, as the two nations work to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
- NATO Cooperation: Given Graham's staunch support for NATO and Merz's role as a Federal Chancellor of a NATO member nation, discussions on NATO cooperation and strategy are likely to take place. This may include addressing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan, working to modernize NATO's capabilities, and strengthening NATO's partnerships with other regions.
- As the environment becomes a growing global concern, the upcoming meeting between Merz and Trump presents an opportunity to discuss potential regulations on protecting the environment, particularly in the context of climate change, given the Biden administration's renewed commitment to the Paris Agreement.
- The politics surrounding Russia sanctions and trade disputes, along with the sanctions package proposed by US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, may also influence the outcome of the meeting, as they align with Germany's stance on these matters and are vital to maintaining a balanced relationship between the EU and the US.
