In a high-stakes NATO summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s diplomatic debut and US President Joe Biden’s political survival intertwine as global tensions rise and America’s allies worry about the future. Here’s the full story.
Thrown Into the Spotlight
In the days since Keir Starmer’s Labour Party won a landslide election victory, the Prime Minister has been thrown into the spotlight on the international stage, with the 75th Anniversary NATO summit taking place in Washington, DC.
Improving Britain’s Image
Starmer has made improving Britain’s image on the world stage a key focus of his leadership, aiming to reassure allies that the period of chaos and uncertainty that characterised the last Conservative government is over.
Key Meetings in Washington
His efforts began with meetings in Washington, DC, where he discussed the irreversibility of Ukraine’s NATO membership process with key leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Supporting Ukraine
Starmer’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, both in opposition and now as Prime Minister, marked a critical step in reaffirming the UK’s dedication to NATO and European security.
Unwavering UK Support
Starmer stated, “I’ve just had a very good meeting with President Zelensky, where I made it absolutely clear that as far as the UK is concerned, the change of government makes no difference to the support that we will provide.”
Strengthening European Ties
Starmer also sought to strengthen ties with the UK’s European allies. His meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz focused on resetting UK-European partnerships and enhancing cooperation across various aspects of the relationship.
United Front on Ukraine
The discussions emphasised the importance of a united front in supporting Ukraine and deepening defence ties between the UK and Germany. This meeting set the stage for further talks at the upcoming European Political Community summit, highlighting the renewed focus on European security and solidarity against Russian aggression.
US Relations and Bipartisan Support
Starmer’s diplomatic efforts extended to building relations with key figures in the US, meeting with Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, aiming to foster bipartisan support for the UK’s foreign policy objectives.
Meeting President Biden
Additionally, meetings with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries were on the agenda. However, the most significant meeting was with President Joe Biden, marking Starmer’s first interaction with the US President since his election victory.
“The Transatlantic Knot”
The meeting underscored the enduring strength of the UK-US special relationship, with Biden describing Britain as “the transatlantic knot” that ties NATO together.
Biden’s Critical Moment
For President Biden, the NATO summit represented a critical moment in his long political career. Following a profoundly damaging debate performance, Biden faced significant domestic and international scrutiny.
Reaffirming Leadership
The summit allowed him to reaffirm his leadership and commitment to NATO, differentiating his stance from former President Trump’s approach to international alliances.
European Allies Concerned
Biden’s leadership in strengthening and expanding NATO amidst Russian aggression was highlighted as a critical achievement aimed at reassuring American allies and demonstrating his capability to maintain the alliance’s unity and effectiveness.
A Crucial Test
However, despite Biden’s efforts, European allies’ concerns about his leadership capabilities lingered. Kristine Berzina from the German Marshall Fund told the BBC, “Biden is entering this week diminished. We don’t know how he’s going to exit it.”
Seeking Reassurance
European leaders, already apprehensive about a potential Trump presidency, looked to Biden for reassurance and a display of steadfast leadership in the face of global challenges. As such, this summit was a crucial test for Biden to dispel doubts and reinforce the US’s commitment to NATO.
Hoping for a Boost
Biden would likely have hoped that some of Prime Minister Starmer’s recent electoral success would rub off on the President, giving hope to his supporters that if Labour could win under the challenging conditions they faced in their years as opposition, maybe Biden could beat the odds, too.
Domestic Pressures
However, whether the Starmer effect works for Biden or not, domestically, the President is facing increasing pressure from within his party to step aside for Vice President Kamala Harris. Since his faltering debate performance, Biden has consistently trailed Trump in the polls.
Calls for Biden to Step Down
Several high-profile Democratic Party supporters and donors recently went public with their calls for Biden to step down. Recently, actor George Clooney, a lifelong Democrat and one of the party’s most successful fundraisers, wrote an article for the New York Times imploring Biden to step down.
Broader Implications
The outcome of the NATO summit had broader implications for the alliance’s future and US leadership on the global stage. As NATO marked its 75th anniversary, the focus remained on addressing contemporary challenges, namely Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A Defining Moment
For Biden, the summit was more than just a diplomatic engagement; it was a defining moment that could influence his political survival and the future direction of US foreign policy.
A Tale of Two Leaders
The recent NATO summit was a tale of two leaders. As the new Prime Minister, Starmer hopes to repair the UK’s damaged international image, and Biden, the incumbent President, hopes that being seen as the leader of NATO in an ever-uncertain world will dissuade those calling for him to step down.
Uncertain Outcomes
However, whether either leader has done enough to secure their ultimate goals remains to be seen.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Martin Suker.