The international community often finds itself perplexed by the diplomatic style of U.S. President Donald Trump. One day he denounces an ally in the harshest terms; the next he signs what he calls the “best deal ever” with them. This political whiplash, from fury to friendship, may appear random, but it follows a recognizable pattern.
To understand how to navigate this presidency, world leaders must recognize that they are not dealing with a traditional statesman but with a showman whose approach draws from a deeply ingrained playbook. Trump’s diplomacy can be viewed through three lenses: the ruthless mentorship of his lawyer Roy Cohn, his use of provocative language and the theatrical instincts honed during his years as a reality television star.
The foundation of Trump’s worldview owes much to Cohn, the infamous political fixer who became his lawyer and mentor. As Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kai Bird details in his recent biography, “American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump,” Cohn was a master of ruthless tactics and media manipulation. Trump regularly sought his advice, absorbing not just his mannerisms but elements of his combative philosophy.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.