The recent Nato summit has shed light on the enigmatic source of Donald Trump's enduring influence, despite his controversial actions and statements. While many assume his power stems from his presidency of the world's most powerful nation, his base of supporters, or his strategic acumen, the reality is far more complex and unsettling. In my opinion, Trump's power lies in his audacious disregard for established norms, rules, and laws, which has created an environment where he can exploit asymmetries and gain personal benefits at the expense of others. This approach has allowed him to accumulate wealth, power, and glory, while leaving a trail of damaged institutions and shattered trust in his wake.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Trump has manipulated the global community's trust. By breaking widely accepted norms, he has created a situation where others are left to pick up the pieces, while he reaps the rewards. This dynamic is akin to a small-town thief who takes advantage of the community's trust, only to leave them with the burden of protecting themselves against future violations. The asymmetry between the violator's small costs and the community's large costs is the essence of Trump's strategy.
From my perspective, the Nato summit is a prime example of this dynamic in action. Trump's outbursts and demands were met with deference and respect, as leaders feared the consequences of crossing him. This fear is rooted in the belief that Trump is unconstrained by norms, rules, treaties, and laws, and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Whether it's taking over Greenland, blasting European policies, or declaring that the Ukraine-Russia conflict doesn't affect the US, Trump's actions are driven by his desire to win at all costs.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way Trump has corrected himself when speaking about the World Cup. By changing from 'we'll say' to 'I'd say', he has demonstrated his awareness of the ethical implications of his words. However, this awareness is not based on a shared understanding of right and wrong, but rather on his own self-interest. Trump doesn't give a fig for the world's or the nation's judgment about right or wrong; he is amoral, not unethical.
What many people don't realize is that Trump's power is not derived from his presidency, but from his ability to exploit the asymmetries created by his non-ethical approach. By breaking norms, he has created a situation where others are left to protect themselves, while he gains personal benefits. This dynamic is a key to understanding Trump's enduring influence, and the challenges we face in dealing with his legacy.
In conclusion, the Nato summit has revealed the true source of Trump's power: his willingness to violate norms, rules, and laws to gain personal benefits. As we reflect on this event, it is crucial to recognize the damage caused by his actions and the asymmetries he has exploited. We must also consider the broader implications of his approach, and the challenges we face in rebuilding trust and restoring institutions. From my perspective, Trump's legacy will be defined by the mess he has left behind, and the infinite number of locks we will need to install to protect ourselves from future violations.
