The Board of Peace, proposed by US President Donald Trump is unlikely to gain any meaningful support from European Union member states, according to Professor of European Politics, John O’Brennan of Maynooth University.
The proposal, floated during the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, has been framed by Trump allies as a new international forum for conflict resolution.
Stephen Miller, a senior figure in the Republican administration, went so far as to describe Trump’s appearance in Davos as “a masterclass in diplomacy, statesmanship and leadership."
Professor O’Brennan told The Anton Savage Show that he was deeply sceptical of that characterisation of Donald Trump.
“What Trump did this week was to take a wrecking ball to the American relationship with Europe,” he said.
“And it backfired spectacularly.”
Europe pushes back
O’Brennan said European leaders arrived in Davos willing to respond with strength rather than accommodation for Mr Trump.
Unlike last summer, when the EU conceded ground on US tariffs, this time Europe made clear it would retaliate.
“They had a package of nearly €100 billion worth of targeted tariffs ready to go, aimed particularly at MAGA states,” he said, adding that the EU also threatened to deploy its powerful anti-coercion instrument, that could severely restrict US companies’ access to the single market.
“That’s what made the difference,” O’Brennan argued.
“Trump is a classic schoolground bully. The only way to deal with him is to confront him, and that’s what happened.”
The Board of Peace
According to O’Brennan, the group is made up largely by authoritarian leaders and figures accused of war crimes, including individuals sought by the International Criminal Court.
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“Europe wants nothing to do with this,” he said.
So far, only Albania and Bulgaria have signed up.
Albania, O’Brennan suggested, did so opportunistically and is not an EU member.
Bulgaria’s decision has caused a political crisis, with accusations that the government lacked the authority to sign the agreement.
“It’s caused a disaster there,” he said, noting Bulgaria is now facing a general election.
“There was deep dissatisfaction at the European Council with the Bulgarians over this.”
‘Not going anywhere’
“This thing is not going to go anywhere,” he said.
“It’s another shiny toy Trump has invented to make himself look good.”
As Europe’s tone towards the US hardens, O’Brennan suggested the era of “Trump whispering” may be coming to an end.
“The only language this guy understands is power and strength,” he said.
“I think going forward, we’re going to see that, not just privately, but publicly as well.”
