President Donald Trump has disrupted expectations of a quiet August in Washington. New tariffs on imports from countries including Switzerland and India, coupled with his surprise summit with President Vladimir Putin on Friday, demonstrate his ability to seize and re-seize the initiative, generate headlines, and seemingly thrive on chaos.

This approach isn’t merely a communications strategy; it’s basic to his approach to international relations. For other national leaders, constantly anticipating this behavior comes at a cost – primarily, the loss of their own initiative.

As the United Nations General Assembly approaches, attempts to manage President Trump’s policy by courting him personally may prove inadequate. Policymakers should learn from this tumultuous summer and stop being caught off guard by his “surprise” announcements. A new approach is needed to regain the initiative, recognizing that seeking the president’s favor, while possibly useful tactically, doesn’t constitute a extensive strategy.

The challenge of unpredictability

The core issue is the inherent unpredictability of president Trump’s foreign policy. This isn’t simply a matter of strong rhetoric or unconventional negotiation tactics; it’s a fundamental disruption of established diplomatic norms.Leaders accustomed to predictable patterns of engagement find themselves constantly reacting to new developments, hindering their ability to plan and execute long-term strategies.

The Limits of Personal Diplomacy

While attempts to build personal rapport with President trump may yield short-term benefits, they are unlikely to be a sustainable solution. The constant need to anticipate and react to his actions diverts resources and attention from more substantive policy work. A more effective approach requires a broader strategy that acknowledges the new reality and seeks to proactively shape the international agenda.