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A few thoughts on Wess Mitchell's sudden resignation as Assistant Secretary of State (A/S) for Europe. For the past 18 months, there has been a debate about which matters most-- policy v tweets. I've rejected this framing but the basic gist of the policy was that...1/5
at the A/S level normal things were happening. The biggest example was that the US was bolstering its presence in Europe. These initiatives occured under the radar- they didn't need Trump's approval and they didn't seek it. But now, most of the officials responsible have left 2/5
It's not just Mitchell who's gone. The two DoD officials working on Europe- Robert Karem (A/S) & Tom Goffus (DAS-D)- also left late last year. Only Fiona Hill of the NSC remains. No bench to draw from for replacements. And, of course, Mattis is gone too. 3/5
What does this mean: a) existing intiatives will likely slow down. b) no new under the radar initiatives will be forthcoming-- some may be pushed up the chain but will die from inertia or opposition. c) In a crisis, the admin will have hardly any experts to call on. 4/5
With Trump unbound & the professional levels decimated, he will be inclined to follow his instincts with little counterweight internally. Bottom line: NATO is more vulnerable now than at any time since Trump took office 732 nights ago. 5/5
