In an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, Alexander B. Gray highlights Meloni’s bold moves—such as exiting the Belt and Road Initiative—as signals of new pragmatic diplomacy while cautioning that uncertainties remain regarding the evolution of US trade and security policies
Evolving transatlantic relationship. In an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, Alexander B. Gray, a former US National Security Council official and current Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, offers a rich analysis of the evolving transatlantic relationship.
- Gray examines the emerging partnership between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, drawing parallels with historic alliances.
- He contends that Trump and Meloni’s special rapport could mirror legendary pairings such as those between US and UK leaders Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher and George W. Bush and Tony Blair.
- He believes that Meloni’s pragmatic approach positions her as a bridge for the EU to understand Trump’s perspective better, thereby strengthening transatlantic ties.
Breaking with the past. Citing Meloni’s bold decision to abandon the Belt and Road Initiative, Gray describes this move as a powerful signal to European nations, offering an alternative to dependence on China.
- Despite scepticism within her party, he praises her constructive stance in Ukraine as a model for pragmatic diplomacy.
- While optimistic about the potential of this unique alliance, Gray remains cautious regarding future US commercial policies towards Italy.
- “I am unsure if President Trump will be open to making exceptions. It does not depend on Italy, but on whether his approach to trade has evolved – though it is too early to tell,” he concludes.
