David Lammy’s visit to Washington D.C. revealed the complexities of foreign policy, where Republicans admire his realism but reject his progressive ideals.
Last week, I joined David Lammy, the shadow foreign secretary of the UK, on a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. British politics can sometimes feel juvenile, with the most recent uproar over Natalie Elphicke in the House of Commons being a case in point. But this tendency to trivialize politics also extends to how we treat our politicians.
Lammy’s visit to D.C. was marked by an unassuming, practical approach. He arrived alone after an early morning connecting flight from Newark (a change in plans meant he missed his original flight to Dulles). Upon arriving, Lammy was greeted by Ben Judah, his adviser and ideas expert, who had traveled down from New York. True to his modest style, Lammy flew economy class, with no entourage, diary secretary, or personal assistant. Instead of luxury, he opted for practicality — navigating D.C. via various Ubers.
Despite the absence of luxury and a packed schedule, Lammy used his time in Washington strategically. His days were full of meetings, networking, and listening, focusing on learning from the political dynamics of the U.S. capital. His approach was to engage directly, interact with key players, and immerse himself in the political culture, all while maintaining a grounded and efficient itinerary.
Lammy’s trip also highlighted a tension in his political philosophy. While his positions resonate with some Republican circles due to their realism, his progressive ideals are often met with skepticism. The contrast between his pragmatic approach to foreign policy and the progressive aspects of his doctrine left some members of the political establishment divided.
This was particularly evident in his discussions with members of Congress and policymakers, where his arguments for a more progressive and cooperative foreign policy approach were not always welcomed. Yet, his commitment to diplomacy and learning from global counterparts reinforced the idea that, while progressive in outlook, Lammy understood the importance of realism in navigating complex international relations.
The visit left Lammy with a clearer understanding of how his political views could be received on the world stage. His ability to engage with Washington’s political elite while maintaining his core progressive values positions him as a distinctive voice in international politics. The challenge moving forward will be balancing these ideals with the demands of realpolitik as he seeks to carve out a larger role for Britain on the global stage.
David Lammy’s tour of Washington may have been a whirlwind, but it was also a powerful reminder of the complexities of international politics, where ideas of realism and progressivism often clash. Despite the hurdles, his approach to diplomacy and international relations signals a potential new direction for British foreign policy.
