Monday, August 11, 2025

Two Insights

George Friedman weighs in on the implications of Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska, and the importance of punitive tariffs being imposed on India. In his mind, both have implications that go beyond a meeting to seek peace. 

Here are two Friedman quotes revealing possibly important insights I'll admit I hadn't independently reached.

Putin reportedly suggested that they meet in the United Arab Emirates, and Trump insisted that it be on U.S. soil – a symbolic act of submission on Putin’s part.

This is why Washington declared a 50 percent tariff on India. India is a large and important country, one with a relatively good economic relationship with the United States, particularly as an alternative import supplier to China. (snip) If India could be hit, no country that buys Russian oil would be safe.

Two classic Trump bargaining ploys ... home court advantage, and escalate, go really big so when he backs off a bit he's cutting you some slack.