French President Emmanuel Macron is deploying a strategy of “royal treatment” and flattery in his diplomatic engagement with former US President Donald Trump, hosting a dinner at Versailles. This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the King of France’s pivotal support for the birth of a new nation, serving as a backdrop for high-stakes discussions aimed at keeping the US leader “on board” for critical global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the vital reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron’s choice to “persuade or to confront” leans heavily towards the former, underscoring Europe’s delicate position in a potentially shifting geopolitical landscape. While immediate policy objectives are clear, the efficacy of this charm offensive faces a profound test when considering the burgeoning “AI revolution.” The question looms large: will such diplomatic overtures be sufficient to protect European interests in this rapidly advancing technological domain?
Europe’s increasing reliance on foundational AI technologies, largely developed and controlled by Silicon Valley giants, positions the continent “at the mercy of Silicon Valley.” This dependency leaves Europe acutely exposed, particularly in light of the potential for a future Trump administration to implement an AI export ban. Such a scenario could severely impede European innovation and economic competitiveness, making Macron’s current efforts to secure US cooperation critically important.
The strategic imperative is to ensure Europe’s continued access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure and expertise. The success of Macron’s “flattery” strategy will not only determine immediate policy alignments but also set a precedent for how Europe can mitigate its technological vulnerabilities and safeguard its economic future in an era defined by artificial intelligence and potential protectionist policies.
