In what appears to be a masterclass in political pragmatism, UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson has extended a significant olive branch to Donald Trump, prioritizing a future technology deal over ideological differences. His speech to the Ditchley Foundation lauded Trump’s leadership style, a move widely interpreted as a strategic effort to secure a vital US-UK alliance on AI and quantum computing.
The core of Mandelson’s message was that the long-term threat from China’s technological ambitions is so severe that it necessitates a close partnership with the current US administration, whatever its political flavour. He framed the competition with Beijing as the defining challenge of the era, suggesting that old political squabbles are a luxury the West can no longer afford.
This transactional approach was evident in what the speech omitted. There was no mention of deep divisions over international law, the Gaza conflict, or Trump’s relationship with Russia. Instead, Mandelson focused squarely on areas of mutual interest, praising Trump’s “decisive” actions and his role in shaking up a complacent “international old guard,” thereby creating an opening for new, ambitious projects.
Critics argue this approach risks normalizing policies and behaviours that run contrary to traditional British and European values. However, supporters see it as a clear-eyed calculation: in a world of shifting power dynamics, securing a leading role in the next technological revolution requires flexibility and a focus on national interest above all else.