Streamlining Diplomacy: Graham's Visit to Berlin Ahead of Merz's Meeting with Trump - Tactics for Global Collaboration?
Senator engaging in consultation with Merz.
By Volker Petersen
Ideas are swirling as we approach Thursday, with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's imminent journey to Washington. This meeting with the one and only Donald Trump could hold the key to unlocking a myriad of issues.
On Merz's agenda are crucial matters such as Ukraine, sanctions, and trade wars - all vital points that require finesse and understanding. While EU Commission, i.e., Ursula von der Leyen, bears responsibility for the trade dispute, Merz will collaborate closely, as Stefan Kornelius, the government spokesman, hinted at the federal press conference this morning.
Interestingly, on Monday, just a few days before this historic rendezvous, US Senator Lindsey Graham paid a visit to Berlin. The renowned politician, who stands as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, met with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and later gabbed with Merz himself. As the government spokesman revealed, the conversation with Wadephul revolved around potentially jointly imposed penalties against the Kremlin.
Pro-NATO and Anti-Russia Stance
Graham, much like the federal government, advocates a clear commitment to NATO and a substantial distance from Russia. During the 2016 presidential race, Graham lambasted Trump but quickly mended fences once he was elected. Now, Graham's views harmonize perfectly with Trump's line, although he occasionally takes a more conciliatory tone towards Ukraine.
With a knack for foreign policy and an intimate understanding of Trump's mindset, Graham stands as an intriguing dialogue partner. This rapport might help Merz avoid potential missteps as he prepares for his meeting. Government spokesman Kornelius stated that Merz will engage in a lunch-date with Trump and a private conference, followed by a press conference in the Oval Office.
Cross-Atlantic Prowess
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz steps into the White House arena for the first time. But despite inexperience, he's already reached out to Trump, his ancestral home being the wine-rich village of Kallstadt in Rhineland-Palatinate. Trump, on the other hand, has expressed interest in Merz's plans to escalate German defense spending, which could very well strike a chord with Trump's "America First" philosophy.
Merz is well-versed in American customs, having served as the head of the financial manager Blackrock and as the chair of the esteemed US-German association Atlantikbrücke. According to Kornelius, Merz is "probably aware of the USA better than any of us."
Diplomatic Dance: The Past and Future
However, the dance between power players such as Merz and Trump isn't a new dance - politicians like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have already demonstrated successful flattery and rapport-building with Trump. Earlier, during Zelensky's state visit, Vice President JD Vance and Trump even collaboratively lectured the Ukrainian President.
Understandably, Merz wants to avoid any potential pitfalls that tripped up his predecessors. By maintaining an approachable yet firm stance, Merz plans to strike a successful diplomatic balance.
Involving Graham's Global Efforts
If the topic of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's initiatives enters the conversation, it could significantly influence the discussion in multiple ways. Senator Graham, alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal, has proposed legislation that could authorize President Trump to levy tariffs of up to 500% on countries that import Russian oil, gas, and uranium[5].
By introducing this potential leverage, President Trump could potentially fortify a harder stance against Russia, which might better position both Merz and Trump in their discussions on Ukraine. The proposed sanctions would create an atmosphere of increased pressure on Russia, potentially compelling President Putin to reconsider his actions in Ukraine.
On the other hand, these sanctions could also exacerbate trade tensions, especially if not managed carefully. The impact on global energy markets and potential economic repercussions would certainly merit thoughtful consideration by both parties.
At the core of it all lies the need for international collaboration to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, exert pressure on Russia, and solidify Western support for Ukraine. Merz's meeting with Trump brings us one step closer to digesting these complex global implications.
There's a whole lot to ponder during this week's diplomatic dance, and with Graham's visit to Berlin adding another layer to the mix, things are heating up. It's time for Merz to hone his diplomatic skills and navigate the treacherous waters of international relations with charm, wisdom, and the right amount of backbone.
[1] ntv.de, "Merz will travel to Washington in mid-March"[2] dw.com, "Germany confirms talks with US on sanctions against Russia"[3] handelsblatt.com, "Trump hints at easing sanctions on Russia"[4] politico.eu, "Trump's Ukraine policy influences Europe's stance, too"[5] politico.com, "Senate Democrats unveil bill to batter Russian energy sector"[6] cnbc.com, "Trump seeks help from Putin to convince Saudi Arabia to increase production"
- The Commission, having been asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, may find an opportunity to discuss possible joint actions in light of Senator Lindsey Graham's recent initiatives, such as the proposed legislation to levy tariffs against countries importing Russian energy resources, as these actions could have significant implications for global environmental policies.
- pushing for increased German defense spending and a clear commitment to NATO, as Graham did during his visit to Berlin, could potentially influence the political landscape, not only in Berlin-Washington relations but also in the Commission's efforts to strengthen environmental protections, given Graham's involvement in climate and energy policy discussions.
