Fillon at the French National Assembly on 28 June 2016

Translated by AALEP

1. There could be no better ambassador for America’s national interests than the former Governor. His appointment would signal to the world that Washington’s brand remains intact. World leaders know former Governor Romney as a man of his word, as someone who understands global issues. His preparation for multiple presidential runs ensures he has a strong grasp of the challenges America has faced over a long stretch of time. He also has a wealth of key former staffers he can turn to for advice and counsel at a moment's notice.

Everyone being vetted for a high-level appointment must pledge not to become a registered lobbyist for five years after they leave the Trump’s administration and never lobby for a foreign government. This applies to registered state and federal lobbyists.  In addition, all current registered lobbyists must be prepared to deregister in order to be considered for a post. Every person who joins the administration will be asked to sign a lobbying ban form that states they are not registered lobbyist. If they are they will have to provide evidence of their termination.

Executive Actions to be taken after Inauguration (January 20, 2017)

Author Ambassador András Simonyi (an EU citizen) is the Managing Director of the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C.  Original Text has been edited along with pertinent recommendations

The current system of international relations and the world order in general is undergoing a significant transformation. The core of the new system is shifting from the West to Eurasia, thus making Russia and China the biggest and most influential actors.

1. Russia is simply too big and too important for the United States to attempt to isolate. A right balance must be found that takes into account Russia’s interests.
2. Engaging Russia is not about trust but rather the alignment of interests.
3. Resolving numerous international issues would be difficult without Russia.
4. The U.S. cannot contain or isolate Russia, nor can it build a partnership. But there are several things that can be done:
   • reopen channels of communication to avoid dangerous misunderstandings;
   • tone down the rhetoric;

Since World War II, around 30% of US ambassadors have been presidential appointments

Author: Zalmay Khalilzad Counselor at the Center for International and Strategic Studies, Former US Ambassador in Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN.

"Slow growth and economic dislocation is producing a backlash against globalization. And against the backdrop of economic stagnation, isolationist sentiments in America are hitting levels unseen since the immediate post-Vietnam era.

European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sent US President-Elect Donald Trump a joint letter of congratulations, inviting him to visit Europe for a summit as soon as possible. Most likely, the EU's letter was the first invitation the President-Elect did receive from global leaders. But given the President-Elect leadership style it would have been far better for the both of them to fly to New York and request a meeting as the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe cleverly did.