From Davos: More on the Obama team attendance
Some follow up on Obama team representation — the White House directly signed off on every American official to attend the World Economic Forum meetings (not the way it’s been historically, apparently). The Obama reaction to press attention in Copenhagen from a large U.S. delegation was negative, just didn’t want large numbers of american officials ...
Some follow up on Obama team representation -- the White House directly signed off on every American official to attend the World Economic Forum meetings (not the way it's been historically, apparently). The Obama reaction to press attention in Copenhagen from a large U.S. delegation was negative, just didn't want large numbers of american officials seen cavorting in the swiss alps on the taxpayer dime. Instead, Sarkozy gets to dominate the meeting (still, by far the most important of the speeches).
Some follow up on Obama team representation — the White House directly signed off on every American official to attend the World Economic Forum meetings (not the way it’s been historically, apparently). The Obama reaction to press attention in Copenhagen from a large U.S. delegation was negative, just didn’t want large numbers of american officials seen cavorting in the swiss alps on the taxpayer dime. Instead, Sarkozy gets to dominate the meeting (still, by far the most important of the speeches).
Speaking of Copenhagen, I spent some time last night with Copenhagen host Connie Hedegaard — softer and more charming one on one than when she’s at the rostrum. Who was clearly disappointed and frustrated from the public coordination/commitment on the environment here at the davos programme. As for Copenhagen, she’s convinced that there was (and is) strong disagreement within the Beijing government on how to work with the international community, and that was a big part of the breakdown from the summit. On the former, maybe (heck, probably, it’s a big country). But on the latter, I doubt it. If there’s one thing chinese delegations do well, it’s get their speaking points in order before they put foot to ground. I’ve experienced that first hand with every comment anyone in the delegation has made to me on currency over the last four days. I can’t imagine with the searing public spectacle of the Copenhagen summit it was going to be any different.
Ian Bremmer will be blogging from Davos this week sending reports and commentary from inside the World Economic Forum.
Ian Bremmer is the president of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. He is also the host of the television show GZERO World With Ian Bremmer. Twitter: @ianbremmer
More from Foreign Policy
Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.
Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
