US President Donald Trump and his administration are changing the order of things in trade and diplomacy by introducing unpredictability that is unfamiliar even to businesses. Don’s negotiation style represents a new way of exercising power, exposing the other side to uncertainty and changing the terms of engagement, ultimately anchoring them into a new normal altogether.

The use of strategic ambiguity, reciprocal tariffs, and ultimatums in trade and geopolitical negotiations underscores a new normal in global relationships. This norm will replace or affect the traditional diplomatic approach of conceding in public while gaining in private. Is this the end of diplomatic conversations hiding behind verbosity and a more naked and harsher ‘truth-based’ approach?

Historically, international negotiations followed hard bargaining behind closed doors and soft, diplomatic messaging in public. This method allowed leaders to protect relationships while still advocating for national interests. Behind-the-scenes negotiations were often tough and strategic, but public rhetoric emphasised cooperation, stability, and long-term partnerships. The rhetoric would drive the media, and the analysis or criticism was muted or contained in the public sphere.

The new approach today, however, flips this dynamic. Instead of careful, behind-the-scenes bargaining, the US leadership is openly confrontational, using public pressure, social media, and press statements to shape negotiations. This shift creates a high-stakes environment where countries feel forced to take rigid stances to avoid losing face in public. The consequences include heightened tensions, increased unpredictability, and a greater risk of negotiation breakdowns.

This shift exemplifies Trump’s approach, particularly in trade and security discussions. His administration has frequently used social media and public statements to........

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