Opinion: Europe’s attitude to Trump is dangerously naive

The appointment of Lord Mandelson as the new UK ambassador to Washington is only the latest attempt by the UK and other European governments to prepare for the disruptions promised by the incoming Trump administration. French President Macron’s invitation to Donald Trump to a front-row seat at the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral earlier this month, and other efforts by European leaders, are all designed to ingratiate themselves with the new administration in Washington.