Keir Starmer or the persistence of diplomacy

We long knew not to take Donald Trump literally, but never before have we had such reason to take him seriously. Not only has he dismantled an 80-year foreign policy tradition, but he also seems determined to prove that might beats diplomacy. For him, the powerful do what they can, while the rest do what they must.

Amid this chaos, however, one leader is proving that soft power still pays off. In Washington last week, Keir Starmer appeared unshaken, as if Trump were just another figure in the long tradition of diplomacy he seems to embody. Surprisingly, Trump ended up suggesting the two countries should pursue a ‘real trade deal’.

The PM’s behaviour stands in stark contrast to his counterparts. Despite facing difficult negotiations, he has remained steady, avoiding the missteps that have plagued Trump and his team. He understands that no country can impose order through force alone, which gives diplomacy an indispensable role.

His actions build upon a series of key British diplomatic successes. When the war broke out, the U.K. had virtually no energy dependence on Russia and was one of the few European powers meeting NATO’s defence spending target. Likewise, the country’s support for Ukraine has been bipartisan, uniting both populists and statesmen alike.

As a result, the U.K. will continue to punch well beyond its weight. Indeed, it wouldn’t be surprising if a significant part of a peace deal were brokered in Downing Street. After all, the agreement must align with the interests of multiple global actors, including China. Few countries besides the U.K. are in a position to provide that assurance.

That would be a great reminder of why diplomacy is often called the world's second-oldest profession.