Diplomacy 101 Versus Politics Writ Small

American Greatness ^ | July 17, 2018 | Angelo Codevilla

[rightwingintelligentsia]

The high professional quality of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s performance at their Monday press conference in Helsinki contrasts sharply with the obloquy by which the bipartisan U.S. ruling class showcases its willful incompetence.

Though I voted for Trump, I’ve never been a fan of his and I am not one now. But, having taught diplomacy for many years, I would choose the Trump-Putin press conference as an exemplar of how these things should be done. Both spoke with the frankness and specificity of serious business. This performance rates an A+.

Both presidents started with the basic truth.

Putin: The Cold War is ancient history. Nobody in Russia (putting himself in this category) wants that kind of enmity again. It is best for Russia, for America, and for everybody else if the two find areas of agreement or forbearance.

Trump: Relations between the globe’s major nuclear powers have never been this bad—especially since some Americans are exacerbating existing international differences for domestic partisan gain. For the sake of peace and adjustment of differences where those exist and adjustment is possible, Trump is willing to pay a political cost to improve those relations (if, indeed further enraging his enemies is a cost rather than a benefit).

In short, this was a classic statement of diplomatic positions and a drawing of spheres of influence.

[Da Coyote]

Heh, we’re well aware of the “success” of our diplomats.
Applied marshmallow logic and applications from schools which now have their admittance requirements lowered to Dorkbama level has produced diplomatic “success” which is ephemeral at best and is something believed by the press, but not by those of use who actually studied real things in life and in school.
I’ll take Trump, thank you very much.
“International Affairs” bwahahahahahaha!

[Phil DiBasquette]

“I’ve never been a fan...” more Nevertrump shiite