When Donald Trump, ran, as a candidate for President, his rhetoric attracted much of his core supporters, and, differentiated him from the competition, making him stand – out, from the crowd, earning a disproportionate amount of the media attention. However, now, that he’s the leader, of the free world, this same type of behavior, is, potentially, far more risky, and carries, with it, many ramifications. What he says, and does, has the potential to, create an atmosphere, in the rest of the world, where the reputation, integrity, and reliability, of our nation, appears to be diminished! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, how Mr. Trump’s rhetoric and actions, might, result in, adversely affecting, and hurting, the United States’ diplomatic relations, both, with our historic allies, as well as others.
1. Fair broker: Why should any country, be willing to consider us, fair, enough, to broker, mediate, and/ or arbitrate, any significant agreement, unless/ until, we are perceived as being the process, without prejudice, or prejudgment? For example, the only time, in recent memory, any peace agreement, came to fruition, in the Middle East, was, in the late 1970’s, when Egypt and Israel, came to a meeting, of the minds. Historians, as well as the main participants, Israel’s, Menachem Begin, and Egypt’s, Anwar Sadat, proclaimed, the main reason, they were ready, and willing to come – to – the – table, was, they both believed in the credibility, integrity, and fairness, of, then – U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. Contrast that, to the scenario, today, when, the President, and his son – in – law, Jared Kushner (his chief negotiator), have, articulated, a pro – Israel position, combined with unilaterally, taking 2 actions, including proclaiming, recognition of Jerusalem, as Israel’s capital, and moving the US Embassy. If you were the negotiator, for the Palestinian’s, would you believe, our nation, was going to be, a fair broker?
2. Lose trust: Because the President, creates his policy statement, often, using Social Media, and making proclamations, first, by Tweeting, and his statements, are often, conflicting, and/ or contradictory, why would other leaders, consider him, trustworthy, or deserving of their trust?
3. It’s not, win – win negotiations: Trump, often, represented himself, when his occupation, was a businessman, as the great negotiator, and deal – maker. He claimed, he could make deals, like no one else! However, it seems his concept of winning, conflicts with the accepted, international negotiating style! While, each leader, must be able, to sell any agreement, to his country – men, the only viable approach, will generally be, win – win, negotiations.
4. Antagonizes/ antagonistic: Our President tends to antagonize others, by over – reacting, to conflicts, and/ or, criticism! His apparent, thin – skin, and use of name – calling, is, at the very least, antagonistic, rather than unifying, and/ or, confidence – building!
5. Misjudges: Many believe, he, often, misjudges, and either, over – estimates, or under – estimates, those he deals with! When it seems apparent, President Trump, believes he is better than/ superior to, those he deals with, and appears, to be overly swayed, on the positive side, when anyone compliments him, dangerous ramifications, are often, on the horizon!
Wake up, America, and demand, better governing, which focuses on a safer, cleaner, more sustainable future. After all, isn’t that, what will truly, keep America greater?
