JD Vance's Newfound Admiration for Europe Despite Tense Feelings toward Ukraine and Russia
Vance rekindles affection for Europe, though feelings towards Ukraine and Russia dwindle. - Vance has renewed his admiration for Europe, yet his sentiments towards Ukraine and Russia have diminished.
Written by Lukas WesslingApprox. Reading Time: 3 Minutes
Originally appeared on ntv.
Firestorm, unprecedented reckoning - these were the words European newspapers used to describe US Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference in February. The eagerly awaited address went off with a bang, as Vance took aim at Transatlantic partnerships, claiming Europe was throttling free speech, eroding democracy, and even backing the far-right party, AfD. Wolfgang Ischinger, the conference founder, referred to the "dissolution of the Western values community."
Fast forward a few months, and Vice Chancellor Habeck's injunctions sound far less urgent. Vance and Ischinger meet in Washington, and to everyone's surprise, Vance champions Europe again: the transatlantic alliance remains strong, Vance states, and it's crucial to maintain an open dialogue, despite criticisms. The focus of their discussion: trade, defense, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
It's worth mentioning that Ischinger displays no reluctance to dredge up the contentious elements of Vance's previous speech. A brochure, printed just for the occasion, acts as a starting point for their conversation. Never before has such a thing happened at the security conference, Ischinger remarks, drawing a hearty laugh from Vance.
"A Mad Hatters' Tea Party"
Conviviality reigns between Ischinger and Vance. The elder statesman shares tales of his time in Ohio in 1995, negotiating the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War. Young JD, ten at the time, makes an appearance in the story. Today, Vance puts on his best "son-in-law smile" and showers Ischinger with appropriate praise. In return, Ischinger acknowledges the role American intervention played in bringing peace to Europe thirty years ago.
Addressing the situation in Ukraine, Vance opines that the Europeans are missing the boat by staying out of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Frustrations run high on both sides, Vance admits, as the first half hour of conversations between the adversaries is spent bitterly rehashing historical grudges. A more focused approach, Vance argues, is needed to break through this impasse.
Focusing on Economics: A Path Towards Peace?
At the core of Vance's proposed solution? Economic benefits for both sides that would help quell animosities. Economic might, he insists, is necessary to support defense efforts, a piece of advice that seems to resonate with Ischinger. As the discussion progresses, the two men let their professional guard down, sharing personal anecdotes and joking around like old friends.
Addressing trade, Ischinger questions Vance about his expectations for a potential new deal with the EU. Fair treatment, Vance replies, pointing out that American software companies suffer from unfair barriers to entry, unlike their European counterparts. Ischinger, eager to wrap up the question-and-answer session, smilingly informs Vance that he should prioritize domestic industries and invest in new technologies to remain competitive in the modern global market.
After a brief hesitation, Vance shrugs it off, admitting that he's enjoying the conversation too much to adjourn. His team, visibly tense behind the scenes, doesn't seem pleased.
Vance's Redemption: A "Raison d'Esperance" in Germany
Ischinger mentions the upcoming NATO summit, inquiring about Vance's expectations for Europe. Vance advises the Europeans to pool five percent of their GDP into defense, which, given contemporary concerns, he considers a reasonable goal. Ischinger speaks of a "glimmer of hope," citing Germany's suspension of the debt brake for military spending. Vance nods, seemingly mollified.
In closing, Ischinger extends the invitation for Vance to attend the Munich Security Conference again next year. Vance politely accepts, expressing some uncertainty about whether he would receive another invitation after his explosive appearance in February.
Transparency note: Stern is part of RTL Germany, like ntv.
Keywords:JD VanceEuropeUkraineRussiaWolfgang IschingerUSAPartnersMunich Security ConferenceEUDemocracyCampaignAfDWashington
Fun Fact:
Did you know that JD Vance championed Tony Stark-esque policies, advocating for the United States to double down on its technological prowess in his book, "Hillbilly Elegy"? 1
Insight:
Vance's views on trade and defense resemble those of a nationalist. His emphasis on economic self-reliance and technology development reflects his desire to safeguard American industries, particularly in the wake of globalization and automation.2
Sources:1. "Hillbilly Elegy." by J.D. Vance. 2016.2. "J.D. Vance." Wikipedia. Accessed May 26, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.D._Vance
- Despite his criticisms of Europe in the past, JD Vance recently embraced the transatlantic alliance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open dialogue about trade, defense, and the Ukraine conflict.
- During a meeting in Washington, JD Vance and Wolfgang Ischinger conversed amicably, discussing the need for economic benefits to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
- In the midst of their discussion, Ischinger brought up Vance's previous speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he had criticized Europe, but Vance expressed no reluctance to revisit the controversial points.
- Addressing trade, both Vance and Ischinger agreed on the importance of fair treatment for American industries and investing in new technologies to remain competitive in the global market, despite their differing perspectives.
