New Delhi: Leaders mentioned missiles, wars and world instability on the summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in The Hague. However dialog shifted, tone modified and eyes adopted when U.S. President Donald Trump walked into the room.
Then got here the remark that lit up the web. “Daddy has to generally use sturdy language,” NATO chief Mark Rutte stated with a smile, referring to Trump’s position within the Israel-Iran standoff.
Trump laughed. “He likes me. Hey Daddy. You might be my Daddy,” he advised reporters.
The White Home ran with it. A video quickly appeared on-line – Trump shaking arms in sluggish movement, grinning and waving – minimize to Usher’s “Hey Daddy”.
However this was not comedy. This was a sample.
Throughout capitals, leaders are studying the identical lesson – flattery will get you within the room. Whether or not it will get you outcomes, although, is one other matter.
The Attraction Offensive
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer introduced a private letter from King Charles. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni quoted Trump’s slogan and vowed to “Make the West Nice Once more”. Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Trump as “a transformational president” earlier than drawing a tough line on Canadian sovereignty.
The strategies range – items, reward and symbolic gestures – however the objective stays fixed – make Trump really feel seen.
Starmer went tactile – handshakes and shoulder faucets. Meloni praised Trump’s peace ambitions. Carney, extra measured, provided respect with out bending.
However does it work? Not at all times. Regardless of the compliments, Trump froze UK army help to Ukraine, left Meloni ready for a promised state go to and killed commerce talks with Canada after their new digital tax upset US tech giants.
Even when leaders tried to match Trump’s power, outcomes stayed elusive.
The Ones Who Didn’t Flatter
French President Emmanuel Macron got here ready for battle. Their assembly was tense. Trump caught to a script. Macron pushed for Ukraine. There was no heat. No shift.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met a wall. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance berated him in February. Trump accused him of risking a world warfare. Zelenskyy provided few pleasantries. It didn’t go nicely.
In the meantime, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was cornered with a shock video exhibiting anti-white farmer protests. Trump accused his nation of “genocide”.
Ramaphosa defused the second with endurance, however made no try at allure.
The Nice Line Between Ego, End result
Specialists have lengthy stated flattery retains Trump calm. However calm doesn’t equal compromise. Leaders who praised Trump typically walked away empty-handed.
Nonetheless, some moments stick. Trump known as Carney’s political comeback “perhaps larger than mine”. He softened his tone after the Canadian prime minister rejected annexation discuss outright.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen did one thing related. She refused Trump’s Greenland bid. Agency and respectful. He backed down.
International Stakes, Private Dynamics
For some, it’s a calculated gamble. Ego-massaging buys time. Generally entry. Not often substance.
However as world leaders line up with smiles, handshakes and tailor-made soundbites, one factor is evident – Trump’s ego isn’t just a aspect present. It’s a part of the overseas coverage stage.
And everybody appears to know their strains.