Trump's 7 Steps of Maximum Pressure
Marko Papic, Chief GeoMacro Strategist
Ask For The Moon!
Open up with maximalist, fantastical, borderline silly demands!
(ex: literally every opening salvo in every negotiation.)
Whip Out Your Big… Button!
When the world scoffs at your demands, threaten them with “fire, fury, and your big… button!”
(ex: button size competition with North Korea, threatening Canada with statehood!)
Punch Someone In The Mouth!
When the world doubts you’ll do it.. do it.
(ex: 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.)
Break Bread, Make Friends!
Sit down… negotiate, be magnanimous and generous.
(ex: Singapore summit with Kim Jong-un, freezing of tariffs.)
Leave The Bride At The Altar!
Just before you ink the deal, descend into a fit of irrational rage and throw everything off at the 11th hour!
(ex: canceling of the Singapore summit, tweet rage against PM Trudeau, summer 2019 tariffs on China.)
Kiss And Make Up!
Sit back down and negotiate…
(ex: literally… every… time.)
