The writer is chief executive of the New America think-tank and an FT contributing editor
Judging by the standing ovation he received at the recent Munich Security Conference, US secretary of state Marco Rubio succeeded in his mission to soothe European sensitivities. From his opening line — “We gather here today as members of a historical alliance . . . that saved and changed the world” — he repeatedly sounded themes of transatlantic unity. After all, he said, Europe and America are “part of one civilisation — western civilisation”.
Both sides have an interest in amplifying this message. Rubio wants to show he can adhere to the Maga message but still keep the US liked in the world. And the Europeans want to use the language of unshakeable unity to shore up the defence of Ukraine and develop a united approach to negotiating with Russia.