It is massively reassuring that Tillerson is an establishment Republican — a supporter of Jeb Bush in the primaries, of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, of NAFTA (particularly because Canada and Mexico are essential to American energy security). In an administration hostile to “globalists,” Trump’s pick for secretary of state has said: “We must embrace the free flow of energy, capital and human talent across oceans and borders.” Tillerson’s (rare) speeches and interviews reveal someone with a comprehensive knowledge of energy prices, market forces and technological innovation, rather than some Kissingerian vision of world politics. But it is not a bad thing to have a man of temperate judgment near an untested president.
Is Tillerson too close to Russia and Putin? Before the serious screening of a confirmation hearing, we really don’t know. But the evidence, so far, is slim. Any responsible oil executive would cultivate good relations with Russia — the world’s largest producer of oil and second-largest producer of natural gas. Failing to do so would amount to corporate malpractice. It is Tillerson’s misfortune to seek confirmation in an administration with very serious Russia-related issues. But normal business relationships do not necessarily indicate personal views and sympathies.
Is Tillerson insufficiently serious about global warming? Perhaps. But he looks to be the most serious in the Trump administration (which itself says something).
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