Too often, political and economic leaders disregard the intercultural context of their decisions, leading to serious errors. The early steps of the current Trump presidency offer a striking illustration of this. In particular, the American leader does not share the same concept of time as his main foreign counterparts, and adhering only to his own is a significant handicap.
On the End of the War Between Russia and Ukraine
Trump is in a hurry, having boasted he could secure a ceasefire in a few days. Facing him, Putin operates on a long timeline; he has a clear purpose, visible since he came to power over a quarter-century ago (which isn’t to say he’s right): to restore the verticality of power and the Russian empire. One is agitated, the other inexorably pursues his path. Both operate from a position of power struggle, the American by temperament, the Russian by culture. The advantage goes to the one who doesn’t bluff: Trump has so far achieved nothing conclusive.
On Tariffs
Trump wants to make a big impact because he promised re-employment to the working-class populations in the Midwest who were victims of globalization. Facing him, the Chinese have a long-term vision: to reclaim their status as the Middle Kingdom, including Taiwan. The American president is a poker player challenging Confucius: where does the true strength lie? Trump also weakens himself by losing the trust of Asian partners for whom durability in relationships is essential in business. “That’s not what you do to a friend,” laments Singapore’s Prime Minister, for example.
And Europe?
Like Americans, Western Europeans generally don’t think strategically beyond five years. It’s more in the psychology of the negotiators that cultural differences lie.
Like Trump, the French engage in power struggles. For instance, President Macron is urging major companies not to invest in the United States. When you engage in a tug-of-war, you must be sure to win, or you’ll be crushed. Who has more muscle?
Italian Prime Minister Meloni is much more “furba,” as her compatriots say (without it being pejorative): she calls for pragmatism and cultivates her connection with the American president.
Will Europe be capable of presenting a united front? If not, Trump will have at least succeeded in something (from his perspective).
In conclusion, rather than blaming the rest of the world, President Trump would do well to examine America’s own problems, one of which is traditionalism (contrary to popular belief):
For example, if Americans buy far more European cars than vice-versa, it’s not because Europeans are “unfair,” but because US models are technologically outdated. Protecting oneself, therefore, leads to decline.
In reality, the American president is sawing off the branch his country is sitting on. And that branch is called “immigration”: three-quarters of the patents filed by the top 10 most innovative American universities have an inventor born abroad. The United States cannot thrive without talent from elsewhere. This is the very essence of the country.
On the GapsMoov platform, see the gaps:
- Between plan and design.
- Between conflict and partnership.
- Between perfectionism and contentment.
