Benefits of combining diplomatic experience and golf skills in modern geopolitics

A few hours of golf in the same team with U.S. President Donald Trump, followed by a friendly lunch, allowed for discussions on numerous issues that would have been difficult to cover even in three formal Oval Office meetings.  

This visit, undertaken by the experienced Finnish politician of Swedish descent and a key European leader, came after a coordinated effort to send a strong message to the U.S. — that Russia’s leader must face increased pressure and a clear deadline (likely April 20) for a complete ceasefire.  

Stubb, a former Finnish foreign minister and prime minister, has previously stated that he decided to run for president because of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  

The golf match is expected to benefit all parties involved.  

Credit is due to the Finnish side, which, after several diplomatic efforts, secured a meeting with the U.S. president. Clearly, Stubb’s high-level golf skills played a role. His father, Göran Stubb, a former NHL European scouting executive, had told him decades ago: “No matter what happens with golf in your life, these skills will come in handy.”  

Yet, Stubb’s ability to communicate effectively with Americans—rooted in his education at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Furman University in South Carolina — was equally crucial. Beyond fluency in English, he understands American culture and mindset.  

While headlines focused on Finland supplying icebreakers to the U.S., the meeting also fostered a friendly atmosphere and likely advanced Finland’s $10 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for 64 F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters.  

So, politicians and diplomats — learn to play golf!  

But remember, playing golf with Donald Trump is far more comfortable when you have cutting-edge icebreaker technology and a $10 billion fighter jet deal backing you up!

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About the author: Valeriy Chaly, Ukrainian diplomat, former Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S.  

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.