Madman Theory: Is it Making a Comeback?
Richard Nixon, an American President during the Cold War, popularized a foreign policy strategy called the "Madman Theory."
The idea behind this strategy is that if you make your opponents believe you are crazy and dangerous, they will be more likely to give in to your demands.
While this theory was less popular after Nixon's death, some experts believe it may be making a comeback in today's politics.
Here is a look at the Madman Theory and its possible resurgence.
How the Madman Theory Works
The Madman Theory is based on the idea that people can be scared into making irrational decisions.
For example, if someone thinks you might be willing to use nuclear weapons even if it means sacrificing your own citizens, they will be more likely to give in to your demands instead of risking facing your anger.
Of course, in order for this strategy to work, your opponents have to actually believe that you are crazy enough to follow through on your threats.
Richard Nixon with Henry Kissinger
Nixon and the Madman Theory
Nixon was one of the first politicians to use the Madman Theory.
He did things during his presidency to make it look like he was unstable.
This included threatening to use nuclear weapons and refusing to rule out military action when questioned by reporters.
While some historians question how effective Nixon's implementation of the Madman Theory actually was, there's no denying that it played a role in shaping his foreign policy.
Donald Trump at the Oval Office
Trump and the Madman Theory
Donald Trump's presidency has been full of surprises.
One of the most unexpected things he has done is to embrace the Madman Theory in his dealings with North Korea.
The Madman Theory is a foreign policy strategy in which a leader intentionally appears to be irrational and unpredictable in order to gain an advantage in negotiations.
Trump seems to be following this strategy closely, and it may be working.
Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un at the DMZ
Trump started using Madman Theory tactics when he called Kim Jong Un "Rocket Man".
Trump threatened to destroy North Korea with "Fire and Fury".
These statements were designed to make Kim Jong Un feel threatened and force him to the negotiating table.
It worked - after a year of tension, Trump and Kim met in Singapore, Vietnam and later at the DMZ.
The Re-Emergence of the Madman Theory?
Donald Trump with Richard Nixon
In recent years, there have been several signs that the Madman Theory might be making a comeback in current politics.
For example, during his presidential campaign, Donald Trump openly bragged about his willingness to use nuclear weapons and made a number of threats against other countries.
This has caused other world leaders to take him more seriously than they would have otherwise.
The Madman Theory is a way of influencing other countries.
It means that someone is acting crazy so the other country will be scared.
America has been using this theory for a long time.
In the last few years, there have been more and more headlines about the theory.
The Madman Theory is a political strategy that was allegedly used by U.S. President Richard Nixon during the Vietnam War.
The theory posits that a leader can make an adversary believe that he is irrational and willing to use nuclear weapons, thereby making the adversary back down from conflict out of fear.
Interestingly, merchandise featuring both Nixon and Trump has been created, playfully drawing upon the Madman Theory.Who knows if the theory actually works, but it's certainly an interesting way to think about diplomacy!
