Marco Rubio, chosen by Trump as the next head of US diplomacy, undergoes his confirmation hearing in the Senate. He must claim that the world order is “obsolete” and used as a “weapon” against the United States. What will be the challenges of his mandate?
This is a crucial day for future American diplomacy. Marco Rubio, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to become Secretary of State, will have his grand confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee this Wednesday. At 53, the Florida senator is preparing to present his vision of the role of the United States on the international scene.
An “obsolete” world order and “a weapon against the USA”
According to extracts from his speech revealed in advance, Marco Rubio intends to state bluntly that the world order inherited from the post-Cold War period is no longer suitable for the 21st century. Even more, he believes that this order is “now used as a weapon” against American interests.
A position that contrasts with decades of consensus in Washington on the role of world policeman assumed by the United States. For the potential future head of diplomacy, it is time to redefine this balance in favor of America.
China singled out
In its sights: China. Marco Rubio accuses Beijing of having “cheated” to achieve superpower status, taking advantage of the advantages of the world order “while ignoring its duties and responsibilities”. An unsurprising position on the part of this anti-China hawk, already sanctioned by Beijing for its support for Taiwan.
We welcomed the Chinese Communist Party into this post-Cold War world order, and they reaped all its benefits, but they ignored all its duties and responsibilities.
– Marco Rubio, excerpts from his speech
Which diplomat for the Trump era?
If his nomination is confirmed, Marco Rubio will become the face of the United States abroad. A key role as Donald Trump is already shaking up the international order even before his inauguration, threatening to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal.
On Ukraine, Europeans fear American disengagement, or even pressure for an agreement to the detriment of kyiv. Marco Rubio’s style and diplomatic line will be closely observed on this burning issue.
Other crucial Senate appointments
Marco Rubio’s hearing is not the only one to agitate Congress. Yesterday, Pete Hegset, chosen as Minister of Defense, was manhandled by senators for an accusation of sexual assault. Pam Bondi, nominated for Justice, and John Ratcliffe, promoted to head of the CIA, are also on the grill this Wednesday.
A few days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, the cards for the future government are gradually being revealed. And suggest a muscular diplomacy which will not hesitate to shake up the status quo. With at its head, Marco Rubio determined to defend “peace through strength”, a slogan dear to the new tenant of the White House.
