Trump doesn’t ask — he demands. And not from God, but from the rest of the world

One of Trump’s business principles is simple: “Never admit defeat.” That’s how we got to the events of January 6, 2021, at the Capitol. Sure, it was on the edge — and even beyond — what’s acceptable, but in the end, Trump essentially secured himself another campaign win. It worked.

Another core Trump principle: “Press until there’s nothing left to press; then sit down and negotiate.” His loud statements are just another tactic to create pressure and secure the best deal.

I’m not sure if this will apply to Russia (or if Trump will risk overplaying his hand), but it’s exactly what happened with NATO. Trump’s bold rhetoric shook up allies; those who were spooked started scrambling. For the first time in decades, they began to take even basic steps to ensure their own security.

And that’s a good thing, for a few reasons:

• The U.S. hasn’t been able to sustain its role as the lone “world policeman,” either economically or militarily.
• Europe got way too comfortable, assuming the U.S. would foot every bill and shield everyone.
• Frankly, it’s unfair to the U.S., especially economically.
• It’s bad for global and Eurasian security overall.

So when Trump says he “saved NATO” in interviews, he’s not wrong. He jolted the bloc back to life — the bloc that had transformed from “Euro-Atlantic” alliance into something closer to “the U.S. and co.”

The same approach applies to Canada, Greenland, and Panama. If his statements on these territories somehow came to life (highly unlikely), Trump wouldn’t hesitate to take credit. But even if they don’t, the pressure would likely squeeze out the most advantageous deal for the U.S.

There’s an old Soviet joke: Why does a rhinoceros have one horn when most animals have two? Because smarter animals, when asking God for horns, requested four just in case. The rhinoceros, being the honest fool, asked for two. 

Well, Trump doesn’t ask. He demands. And not from God, but from the rest of the world.

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About the author. Oleksiy Panych, philosopher, member of the Ukrainian Center of the International PEN Club, blogger.

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.