In the realm of international politics, negotiations with major powers are invariably accompanied by intricate challenges. One of the most significant challenges involves accurately understanding and analyzing the personalities and behaviors of the leaders of these countries. In the case of the United States, Donald Trump is recognized as a complex and unpredictable figure in foreign policy. As the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States commence today, Saturday, April 23, with the participation of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Wietkaf in Oman, grasping these complexities holds particular importance.
Trump's deal-oriented politics
Trump is primarily recognized in the realm of foreign policy as a dealmaker rather than a politician with fixed normative values. In studies of US foreign policy, Trump's style is largely based on continual assessments of gains and losses in international relations. In this style, principles such as democracy and support for allies are of lesser importance, with his main preference being to achieve the greatest tangible and short-term benefit. In his foreign policy, Trump pays little attention to spiritual and humanitarian values, focusing instead on agreements that serve the material and economic interests of both himself and the United States. In other words, he formulates his foreign policies based on situational assessments and economic calculations, paying little heed to value-based and normative requirements.
Trump's personality: Deal maker and narcissist
In addition to his deal-oriented characteristics, Trump's personality is also marked by a degree of narcissism. He consciously seeks to present himself as a generous and powerful figure to whom others feel indebted. This approach often begins through the imposition of economic and political pressures on others. At times, Trump creates situations that compel the opposing party to rely on him for alleviating the resulting damages, such as imposing new tariffs or laying off employees. This type of behavior is particularly observable in economic and political interactions with companies and countries. For instance, Trump's requests to American automobile industry leaders to exert pressure on car imports exemplify this approach. However, this strategy does not apply to the broader societal context, as he does not expect gratitude from the public on an individual basis.
Trump's narcissism: Its impact on foreign policy
Trump's constant pursuit of validation has led him to focus more on personal gratification derived from exercising power and humiliating others rather than on national interests. This type of personality can pose significant risks to international relations, as Trump often pursues his policies not based on national interest but rather out of personal enjoyment in exerting power over others. In other words, Trump's foreign policy could lead to jeopardizing state relations and threatening national interests.
Engaging with Trump: Standing firm against threats
In negotiations with Trump, value-based and democratic principles may have limited efficacy. Conversely, approaches grounded in tangible and situational interests could prove more effective. One such approach involves standing firm against Trump's threats. Countries that have resisted Trump's trade tariffs have communicated to him that they are not afraid of his threats and can withstand his economic pressures. This type of resistance could compel Trump to reconsider his policies, as such pressures and threats may inflict further damage on the US economy.
A position of weakness against Trump is prohibited!
One of the effective strategies in dealing with Trump is to avoid capitulating to his unreasonable demands. If Trump realizes that the opposing party lacks the will to resist, he is likely to escalate his pressures. Conversely, if there is serious and inflexible resistance, Trump is more likely to shift towards accepting new conditions. An example of this approach can be seen in Canada’s decision to maintain its tariffs even after the suspension of US tariffs. Through this action, Canada has sent a clear message to Trump that he should not expect the opposing party to yield to unreasonable demands.
Iran and strategy of resistance
In the negotiations between Iran and the United States, adherence to principles and resistance to Trump’s unreasonable demands will not only protect Iran's national interests but will also lead to more sustainable agreements and balanced interactions. Trump’s behavior indicates that any retreat from principles will be perceived as a victory for him, potentially leading him to escalate his pressures and demands. Therefore, to achieve an agreement that preserves Iran's national interests, it is essential for Iran to adopt a firm stance against Trump's demands and to avoid any baseless concessions. This strategy will not only help maintain Iran's credibility in negotiations but could also steer Trump towards more rational and reasonable behaviors in his policies.
NOURNEWS