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Can Starmer be the bridge between Europe and the US?
Feb 17, 2025
Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform and an authority on European politics, joins the discussion on pivotal global events. He analyzes the fallout from the Munich Conference and its implications for US-European relations. The podcast delves into Ukraine's crisis, exploring potential peacekeeping efforts and military intervention challenges. The conversation also addresses Keir Starmer's difficult position regarding UK defense spending and his potential role in bridging the transatlantic divide amidst rising tensions.
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Quick takeaways
- The Munich Conference revealed significant concerns among European leaders about American support for European security amid shifting political dynamics.
- Keir Starmer faces the challenging task of balancing increased defense spending demands from the U.S. with European concerns, as he navigates Britain's role in international politics.
Deep dives
Shockwaves from the Munich Conference
The Munich Conference left many European leaders, particularly Germans, feeling disturbed by comments made by American attendees, notably J.D. Vance. Vance's suggestion to engage with the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD) party shocked listeners who understood its extreme and controversial reputation. This sentiment was echoed by General Kellogg, who indicated that Europe and Ukraine would not be involved in early peace negotiations with Russia, raising concerns about diminishing American support for European security. Many attendees left with a sense that the transatlantic alliance was fraying, which prompted significant soul-searching among German officials about their future security and energy dependencies.
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