Michael von der Schulenburg focuses more the rebuilding of trust between superpowers and people.

War is the only solution when trust is broken down between nations.

Generated Summary:

This video features an interview with Michael von der Schulenburg, a former UN diplomat and current EU Parliament member, who discusses the critical importance of trust and understanding in international relations, particularly in the context of peace negotiations. He argues that the recent Alaska meeting between the US and Russia represents a significant shift, especially concerning the conflict in Ukraine.

Key Points:

• The Crisis of Trust: Schulenburg emphasizes a pervasive lack of trust at various levels: between people, states, within the EU, and among political elites. He argues that this absence of trust is a fundamental challenge of our time, hindering peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
• The Importance of Understanding: He stresses the necessity of understanding the security interests and concerns of adversaries, rather than resorting to simplistic, often demonizing portrayals. He criticizes the absence of genuine diplomacy and the failure to adhere to basic negotiation principles: respect, listening, and understanding.
• The Alaska Meeting as a Turning Point: Schulenburg views the Alaska meeting as a “game changer” and a successful trust-building exercise. He believes it signals a shift in US policy, potentially leading to a more pragmatic approach to the Ukraine conflict.
• Ukraine’s Predicament: He suggests that Ukraine faces a critical juncture, needing to decide whether to negotiate based on current realities (where Russia is winning) or risk further military and political collapse. He advises Ukraine to negotiate, trusting the US and Russia more than the Europeans.
• Europe’s Self-Righteousness and Isolation: Schulenburg is highly critical of the EU’s approach, characterizing it as self-righteous and blind to the realities on the ground. He argues that the EU’s demands for Russian capitulation are unrealistic and that its policies are leading to its own isolation and potential fragmentation.
• Russia’s Ascendance: He contends that the conflict has inadvertently strengthened Russia’s position as a major world power, contrary to initial European objectives. The Alaska meeting, in his view, acknowledges this new reality.
• The Danger of Escalation: Schulenburg warns against the dangers of escalating the conflict, particularly the potential for nuclear war. He criticizes European leaders for what he sees as reckless rhetoric and actions that could provoke a devastating response from Russia.
• The Need for Realism: He argues that genuine peace requires accepting the realities created by the war, even if they are not the desired outcomes. He laments the lack of European politicians willing to adopt this realistic perspective.
• Europe’s Military Build-Up: Schulenburg expresses concern over Europe’s increasing military budgets, stating that it does not equate to security.