The current geopolitical climate has brought a more confrontational and acrimonious style of diplomacy than previous decades, surpassing even the tenor of U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term.
Global leaders, roiled by uncertainty and shocks, are increasingly resorting to abrasive and attention-grabbing communication, amplified by social media where measured speech rarely goes viral.
Populist Diplomacy Shapes Global Discourse
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s carefully crafted Davos speech, warning that middle powers must act collectively or risk being “on the menu,” earned applause. Yet it was Trump’s sharper, more personal attacks on Western leaders, including a jab at French President Emmanuel Macron, that dominated social media attention.
This shift toward direct, confrontational, and populist rhetoric is now celebrated rather than frowned upon, signaling a new era where antagonistic communication is normalized.
Global Leaders Follow the Trend
- Vladimir Putin frequently uses crude language to disparage Western and Ukrainian leaders, although he notably refrains from personal attacks against Trump.
- China, under directives from 2019, encouraged diplomats to adopt a “fighting spirit”, leading to the rise of wolf warrior diplomacy — a more assertive, confrontational style.
- Trump and his aides remain unmatched in delivering invective toward allies, particularly Europe and Canada, while escalating whenever confronted.
Europe Faces a Strategic Choice
At Davos, the U.S. delegation frequently belittled European allies, pressing the America First agenda with statements such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik’s remark: “When America shines, the world shines.”
Vice President JD Vance defended this approach as “tough love,” claiming the U.S. aims to preserve and strengthen Europe — a sentiment that many perceive as patronizing.
Meanwhile, Trump’s MAGA-aligned domestic audience enjoys Europe-bashing, viewing the continent as arrogant, ungrateful, and overly dependent, while complaints from European leaders only fuel more criticism.
The Path Forward
As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested, Europe should stop trying to change Trump and instead focus on its own priorities.
It is time for Europe to stop complaining about America First and instead get serious about putting Europe First in terms of economic, diplomatic, and strategic initiatives.
