Trump’s Unconventional Diplomatic Strategy

The U.S. president known for his unique diplomatic style is apparently on the verge of achieving a notable diplomatic success.

Recently, Donald Trump reached an agreement with NATO that sets a 5% defense spending target and has backed Canada by enforcing a digital service tax on American tech firms.

This all unfolded while he expressed strong discontent towards many of his foreign counterparts.

In fact, Trump has completely flipped the script on traditional diplomacy.

Kindness? Not his style. Conflict avoidance? He doesn’t really do that. Instead, he often seems, well—tuned out.

Yet, despite his approach, he has managed to secure results.

For instance, NATO’s commitment could potentially reshape the alliance’s standing in the longer term.

Trump seems to disregard conventional persuasion tactics. Remember what Abraham Lincoln said? A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of vinegar.

Well, Trump doesn’t shy away from pouring out the vinegar.

Historically, 19th-century French diplomat Talleyrand suggested that when a diplomat says “yes,” they often mean “maybe.”

Trump, on the other hand, kicks off negotiations with a more blunt “go to hell.”

He seems motivated by pressure.

He negotiates through threats.

He escalates through escalation.

He builds alliances, influences others, and, quite frankly, believes many are freeloaders.

This approach is likely a byproduct of his personality, shaped by his experiences as a real estate developer in New York, where power dynamics are everything—and risk is part of the game.

It’s hard to imagine more traditional politicians adopting his style anytime soon.

Still, his method reveals a strategic insight about the disparity between U.S. military might, economic power, and its allies—a huge, untapped potential for the U.S. to assert itself.

When the U.S. president discusses withdrawing support for NATO or breaking trade talks with Canada, as he did over the digital services tax, it’s tough to ignore.

Think of it this way: a bull in front of a Chinese store creates a compelling need to get along.

Over the years, the U.S. has repeatedly urged European nations to ramp up defense spending, usually under the guise of “we’re all friends here.”

Defense Secretary Robert Gates once cautioned that there could come a time when the U.S. might lose its patience.

The Biden administration, conversely, hasn’t shown the muscle to push this issue. Experts even noted their attempts to persuade Biden’s team to exert more pressure on Germany’s spending commitments ran into roadblocks.

They seemed reluctant to go hard. “We don’t want to over-compress them,” one expert recounted, “They should figure it out in their own time.”

Trump has demonstrated that “overpressive pressure” can sometimes yield results—impressively so.

Curiously enough, prior to the NATO summit on spending, the NATO Secretary-General appeared to be trying to keep Trump sweet through texts.

There’s no denying the methods Trump employs. While Machiavelli did suggest it’s better to be feared than loved, he also warned against inciting hatred.

Operating this way could have long-term implications for the U.S.’s resources. So far, Trump’s most significant outcomes seem to stem from exerting leverage over allies, not adversaries like China or Russia.

Still, he doesn’t shy away from validating his unconventional methods.

Political scientist Joseph Nye made a distinction between soft power and hard power.

He claimed that soft power is about getting others to desire the outcomes you want—co-opting rather than coercing.

Trump appears to blend soft power with a hint of coercion in his dealings.