Trump's 'Madman Theory' Diplomacy: How Chaos Became a Governing Style

• Donald Trump's unpredictability, often seen as a personality quirk, is argued to be a deliberate governing style, creating chaos for the world.
• This approach aligns with the 'Madman Theory' of diplomacy, where a leader appears volatile to deter rivals, a tactic previously used by Richard Nixon.
• Unlike Nixon's private signaling, Trump's 'madman diplomacy' is public, impulsive, and amplified through social media, leaving allies uncertain.
• The article suggests Trump did not invent this chaotic style but made it visible and mainstream, challenging the perceived stability of global institutions and norms.
• The current global system is seen as exposed and shaky, with middle powers needing to adapt to an uncertain order where chaos replaces established rules.

Why It Matters: Trump's public embrace of 'Madman Theory' diplomacy has fundamentally reshaped global politics, creating an era of uncertainty.