In Donald Trump’s dealings with Kim Jong-un it is possible to decipher a strategy of creative destruction: stir things up, so that relations cannot seem to get any worse – and then get down to doing business. Might the same process also be in operation in Trump’s trade war with his G7 allies?
The President’s tweet about Justin Trudeau being ‘dishonest and weak’ was undoubtedly rude and, as some like to put it, ‘against the norms’ of international diplomacy. Yet the beauty of it was in the last line: “ Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!”. Trump has pissed in the soup, and in doing so has managed to raise an issue which none of the other terribly polite G7 leaders would dare do: to question the rampant protectionism which developed countries continue to apply to agricultural goods.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in