Trump masters the art of bad diplomacy
Source: economist.com
- Donald Trump is using aggressive tactics in diplomacy, calling foreign leaders names and threatening tariffs.
- Key examples include threats to seize the Panama Canal and end defence pacts with countries like Japan and South Korea.
- These moves risk weakening America's alliances and boosting rivals like China.
Donald Trump is practising a style of diplomacy marked by insults, threats and unpredictability, as seen in recent spats with leaders over the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada. The article examines how Trump's "art of the deal" approach - now applied to international relations - involves public bullying and economic coercion. It argues this bad diplomacy could erode US influence, push allies away and embolden adversaries, at a time when global stability is fragile.