Italian political scientist Nathalie Tocci urges the European Union to adopt a tougher stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump. “We know that Trump responds to strength” she told the business magazine “Capital”. “We have long tried to appease him, to keep him on our side, but that has not worked”.
Tocci contrasts European behavior with that of countries such as Brazil, India, and Canada, which she says “have shown more resolve and dignity than the Europeans”. “When confronted with a firm position, Trump actually retreats” she added.
She argues that it no longer makes sense to negotiate deals with the United States while Trump remains president. “There’s nothing useful in the enthusiasm for U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine” she said. “What value do those guarantees have in a situation where the United States threatens Greenland, where Article 5 of the NATO charter is being questioned, and where Trump announces new tariffs every few days?”
Tocci even sees the administration’s conduct as an active attempt to disintegrate the EU. “Trump’s interest is to destroy Europe” she said.
Tocci heads the “Istituto Affari Internazionali” in Rome and previously advised EU foreign policy officials Federica Mogherini and Josep Borrell.