He noted that in the “old days when the US was a benevolent hegemon”, it first consulted with its allies in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan, and also sought approval from the UN Security Council.
According to Stubb, the United States carried out the operation against Iran together with Israel, without informing its allies.
The journalist asked the President of Finland what kind of hegemon the United States is now. Stubb responded that this was “a different type of hegemon,” but added that he was “still very strong.”
He expressed concern that if the United States continues down the same path, it will also reduce its ability to project power in the world, which is already, in Stubb's words, “unpredictable power.”
The President of Finland also admitted that “there is currently a split in the Western world.”
According to him, we are not talking about the destruction of the transatlantic partnership, but there is already “a certain shift.”
“And now, as you understand, a rift is emerging between Europe and the United States, which I, as a staunch pro-American and supporter of transatlantic cooperation, note with regret,” Stubb added.
Context
Trump, at a briefing on March 19, when asked why Washington did not inform its allies in Europe and Asia about its intention to conduct a military operation in Iran, replied that the United States “wanted surprise.”
On March 17, The New York Times editorial board criticized Trump's war on Iran, calling it an example of a “chaotic and self-centered approach” to the presidency. The NYT authors believe that the reality of the war does not correspond to “Mr. Trump’s boasts.”
