Global EditionASIA 中文雙語Fran?ais
    Opinion
    Home / Opinion / David Gosset

    How not to conduct diplomacy: Lessons from a White House dispute

    By David Gosset | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-03-01 23:32
    Share
    Share - WeChat
    US President Donald Trump (C) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) at the White House in Washington, DC, the United States, on Feb 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The televised confrontation at the White House between Donald Trump and J.D. Vance on one side, and Volodymyr Zelensky on the other has captured global attention, adding further complexity to the situation in Ukraine. While the immediate political drama may dominate headlines, its deeper implications for the war and its resolution deserve calm scrutiny.

    The situation remains fluid, and interpretations vary depending on perspective. However, some general observations can be made. Rhetoric and reality do not always align. Trump's previous claim that he could bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours has now been exposed as political posturing rather than a viable plan. The idea of an immediate resolution was always unrealistic given the deep-rooted and multi-dimensional nature of the conflict.

    This point is crucial as it highlights how the Trumpian approach underestimated the complexity of the Ukrainian situation in an era of unprecedented interconnectedness. It is a fallacy to assume that peace in Ukraine hinges solely on a bilateral agreement between the American and Russian presidents. Any such agreement, even if it existed before the Trump-Zelensky meeting at the White House, would have been detached from the broader geopolitical realities.

    Diplomacy and negotiation are inherently linked, and in a war as complex as Ukraine's, any meaningful peace process will inevitably require compromise. Compromise, however, is difficult — especially when conducted in the public eye. This is precisely why diplomatic negotiations are traditionally held behind closed doors, allowing for the difficult concessions necessary to reach a resolution without the pressure of public scrutiny or political grandstanding. When negotiations become spectacle, as was the case in the White House confrontation, the risk of posturing overtaking substance increases dramatically.

    Arguably, reality is shaped less by the "art of the deal'' and more by the art of compromise. Compromise requires patience and a willingness to find common ground, often making it a quieter yet more effective path to resolution. Unlike flashy, one-sided victories, agreements built on compromise tend to be more sustainable, fostering long-term cooperation and stability. In most situations, the right balance of concessions from both sides is what ultimately paves the way for meaningful and enduring solutions.

    Effective diplomacy thrives in an environment removed from media sensationalism. Turning negotiations into reality TV undermines their seriousness and reduces the chances of constructive dialogue. While public debate has its place, serious diplomatic efforts must remain focused on achieving a sustainable and just resolution, not scoring political points or fueling controversy.

    The conflict in Ukraine is now in its fourth year, and its toll has been devastating. While not as prolonged as World War I or World War II, Russia-Ukraine conflict has already brought immense suffering and devastation. The urgency for a diplomatic resolution cannot be overstated.

    Despite the drama of the White House confrontation, what truly matters is the long-term process of negotiation. While this moment may have been discouraging or even shocking, it should not derail efforts toward peace. If anything, it should serve as a lesson in how not to conduct diplomacy. The priority must be securing a peace agreement while preventing further loss of life.

    Ultimately, the rhetoric dispute in Washington is just one episode in a much larger process. It may shape perceptions and influence strategies, but it should not dictate the final outcome. All parties involved, as well as the international community, must stay committed to the broader goal: a negotiated peace that brings lasting stability to Ukraine, Europe, and the world.

    David Gosset, a specialist in global affairs and sinology, is the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

    If you have a specific expertise, or would like to share your thought about our stories, then send us your writings at opinion@chinadaily.com.cn, and comment@chinadaily.com.cn.

    Most Viewed in 24 Hours
    Top
    BACK TO THE TOP
    English
    Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.
    License for publishing multimedia online 0108263

    Registration Number: 130349
    FOLLOW US
    亚洲日本中文字幕天堂网| 国产精品99精品无码视亚| 人妻无码中文字幕免费视频蜜桃| 无码人妻少妇久久中文字幕| 免费无码国产在线观国内自拍中文字幕| 中文字幕精品一区二区三区视频| 中文无码一区二区不卡αv| 久久国产精品无码一区二区三区| 日韩人妻无码一区二区三区久久99| 大地资源中文在线观看免费版 | 无码中文人妻在线一区二区三区 | 久久精品无码一区二区三区免费| 亚洲精品无码久久久影院相关影片 | 久久无码国产专区精品| 中文字幕免费在线| 在线综合亚洲中文精品| 亚欧无码精品无码有性视频| 久久国产精品无码网站| 国产激情无码视频在线播放性色 | 成人毛片无码一区二区三区| 久久久久无码精品国产不卡| 亚洲AV无码成人网站久久精品大| 伊人久久综合无码成人网| 中文字幕亚洲无线码| 国产中文在线亚洲精品官网 | 国产成人无码区免费内射一片色欲 | 国精无码欧精品亚洲一区| 无码人妻丰满熟妇区五十路百度| 一本一道AV无码中文字幕| 中文字幕人妻无码系列第三区 | 日韩精品久久无码人妻中文字幕| 永久免费av无码网站yy| 亚洲AV日韩AV永久无码下载| 无码精品黑人一区二区三区 | 国精品无码一区二区三区在线| 亚洲av无码一区二区乱子伦as | 欧洲Av无码放荡人妇网站| 久久无码人妻一区二区三区| 国产精品无码午夜福利| 国产精品无码久久久久| 亚洲Aⅴ无码一区二区二三区软件|