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https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/15/what-foreign-diplomats-say-about-u-s-politics-behind-closed-doors-00135326>
"When I asked the European ambassador to talk to me about America’s deepening
partisan divide, I expected a polite brushoff at best. Foreign diplomats are
usually loath to discuss domestic U.S. politics.
Instead, the ambassador unloaded for an hour, warning that America’s poisonous
politics are hurting its security, its economy, its friends and its standing as
a pillar of democracy and global stability.
The U.S. is a “fat buffalo trying to take a nap” as hungry wolves approach, the
envoy mused. “I can hear those Champagne bottle corks popping in Moscow — like
it’s Christmas every fucking day.”
As voters cast ballots in the Iowa caucuses Monday, many in the United States
see this year’s presidential election as a test of American democracy. But, in
a series of conversations with a dozen current and former diplomats, I sensed
that to many of our friends abroad, the U.S. is already failing that test.
The diplomats are aghast that so many U.S. leaders let their zeal for partisan
politics prevent the basic functions of government. It’s a major topic of
conversations at their private dinners and gatherings. Many of those I talked
to were granted anonymity to be as candid with me as they are with each other.
For example, one former Arab ambassador who was posted in the U.S. during both
Republican and Democratic administrations told me American politics have become
so unhealthy that he’d turn down a chance to return.
“I don’t know if in the coming years people will be looking at the United
States as a model for democracy,” a second Arab diplomat warned."
Via Kenny Chaffin.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
