- The global community by now is quite familiar with the shenanigans, impetuosity, petulance, and extremely unpredictable nature of the president of the United States of America ever since Donald Trump assumed the office. The disruptions, difficulties, and debilitating effects caused by some of his moves, like import tariffs, immigration rules, and persistent hankering about making America great again, have completely altered the global economies like never before. And less mentioned about the attack on Iran would be better for us to not go through the vacuous emotions caused by the war wanted by none. Amid all this brouhaha, what also must have caused the whole world to feel completely alienated/aghast at Trump is his penchant for bullying.
PC: i Newspaper
- As we notice, a few of the countries have steadfastly refused to be bullied by Trump and have resiliently withstood the maverick leader’s penchant for grandstanding. Threats, verbal intimidation, blackmail, and invectives/profanities used in abundance have failed to deter these leaders. Note that Trump’s intimidation tactic is getting old. As such, countries are no longer shocked and awed. Nonetheless, Trump’s bullying ways continue. Just as American and Iranian negotiators were meeting in Burgenstock, Switzerland, for direct talks to end the US-Iran war, Trump was posting threats on social media and telling Fox News that he had told Iranian negotiators that if they closed Hormuz again, they wouldn’t have a country to make it back.
PC: CNN
- Of course, Iranian negotiators walked out of the talks room in protest. In the same vein, over the weekend, Trump took to berating Italian PM Meloni, saying she was begging for a joint photo at the G7 in France. Meloni shot back that Trump treats his allies with less respect than his adversaries. The Trump administration’s bullying is supposed to get people out of their comfort zone and help seal favourable deals for the US. It’s a classic playground bullying tactic. Trump projects power towards a smaller target to intimidate. And when the latter buckles, Trump claims victory without even a fight. Except, much like bullies in everyday life, repeated intimidation has diminishing returns. That’s why Trump’s calculations in Iran went awry.
PC: The Times of India
- Tehran refused to be intimidated. Similarly, India too stood up to his bullying via trade tariffs. Result: both countries are reported to be close to a trade deal. But bullies are addicted to bullying, even when they don’t get what they want. Trump’s habit of compulsively taking credit for events has begun to work against him. He must be seen as producing favourable American outcomes, rather than getting the job done. And as countries – from China to Brazil – crack this pattern, it becomes a flaw. Trump will, in all probability, remain a bully. But with New Delhi, Beijing, Tehran, and now Rome, standing up to him, his hectoring won’t work. Will he realise the counterproductive folly to course correct his tendency to overshoot? Not really.
