

Ben Wallace on Trump, Ukraine, & European Defence
4 snips May 22, 2025
Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary and a key figure in British politics since Churchill, shares his insights on global affairs. He discusses Trump’s polarizing influence on diplomacy and its repercussions for Ukraine. Wallace highlights the challenges of defense budgeting amid military commitments and the need for cohesive strategies in the face of geopolitical tensions. He also addresses the UK's defense needs and the intricate dynamics between Israel, Gaza, and Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions in a complex international landscape.
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Trump's Nationalism and Power
- Donald Trump mobilizes nationalism over patriotism as a grievance politician without offering real solutions.
- He delivers raw American power by demanding allies increase defense spending more aggressively than predecessors.
Assert Yourself In Diplomacy
- Do your research and understand who you're negotiating with but stay true to yourself and assert your own country's strengths.
- Britain should assert itself more to gain respect and advantages from the US and others.
UK-US Trade Deal Disappoints
- UK's recent trade deal with the US resulted in a 10% tariff which is worse than before.
- Political fanfare masked that the deal was minimal and did not lower tariffs as hoped.