When is a Deal Not a Deal . . .

This is a very interesting analysis of the real world of Asian diplomacy and of the reality of Trump as a short sighted and desperate deal maker. While the emphasis is on the working goals of China, Russia, and Japan this revolves around China as the new center of the world. Both Russia and Japan need help to hold their own against the rising dominance of China. This article would suggest that Trump will go where the biggest short term gain can be made without regard to anything other than enhancement of his own prestige. His inability to distinguish truth from lies would seem to lead to him convincing himself of the value of deal that is, in fact, disastrous. That this possibility even presents itself to me suggests the potential danger we will face if he actually does assumes the presidency.

The steadily rising tide of resistance to Trump domestically, particularly in his unclear involvement with Russia, would seem to push him to quickly make a ‘huge’ deal to claim victory and justification for his actions. That also seems to be his pattern. It’s hard to see how this can look good for anyone but China as they can gain major US concessions for things that they will win in time anyway.