Hryhoriy Mesezhnikov: Democratic States Will Defend Their Values

Hryhoriy Mesezhnikov

Considering the trade war declared by the American president against the entire world, Hrihory Mesezhnikov, president of the Institute of Civic Affairs in Bratislava, shared his thoughts on the future of democracy with the Newssky correspondent.

What are the consequences of the trade war for Europe?

The US administration is changing its foreign policy orientations. This is obvious. The United States no longer perceives the world regions where military conflicts are ongoing, claiming that they have been preoccupied with those conflicts for long enough, and there is no improvement. So, based on the latest statements of the White House, they do not treat Russian aggression against Ukraine very carefully. In addition, the customs tariffs and duties, now introduced and cancelled by the US, give rise to thoughts about how alliances of individual states will be created. While the US is a member of NATO, it can be called an ally of European states. Like Canada and Turkey.

Is it possible to form new political or situational world associations?

So, because the Americans are changing their orientations, there is a feeling that individual countries will establish some alliances among themselves. Their ideas about international politics, and when they think about it, in my opinion, do not take international interests coincide this does not mean that a certain coalition will be formed. For now, foremost, during voting at the UN, rather strange, incomprehensible coalitions are emerging. Despite everything, I would like to hope that those countries that, for various reasons, will oppose the actions of the Americans, economic or political steps, will retain their characteristics. They have their own experience, their social structure. They have complex mutual relations, and I think that certain situations will arise when the United States comes under pressure from all states if they disagree with the US foreign policy.

Will we see a completely new world order?

But in my opinion, the world will not be reformed in terms of foreign policy guidelines. The international influence of totalitarian states will remain. The fact that the United States is approaching this internationally does not mean that it is turning into such a state. And those states that have cooperated based on democratic values, for which freedoms and human rights are important, will maintain their alliances, and even the current American administration will not be able to change anything.

The democratic states of the European Union are not against maintaining good relations with the United States. But if this fails, and even if the United States withdraws from NATO, they will pursue the same policy that has been in place so far: they will support Ukraine, preserve sovereignty, and resist Russian aggression. So, the world is changing, but not absolutely in everything. It would be a pity if the United States were not a member of the community of democratic states. But this is ultimately the decision of the American people, who elected them. We’ll see, administrations come and go, and probably everything will be good.

Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Central Europe and Canada) and Project Manager at V5 Media, Maryna Kovalchuk, contributed.