President Donald Trump is nothing if not strong-willed, and he’s the leader of the mightiest nation on Earth—but there’s one power even Trump can’t afford to discount.
It’s the power of nationalism and national pride, which Trump himself harnessed to win two terms in the White House.
But the same force that helped make Trump president will wreck his presidency if he fails to take it seriously enough in his foreign policy.
Trump is a consummate dealmaker, and bargaining with friends and foes alike depends on appealing to their self-interests.
But self-interest isn’t always a stronger motive than self-respect where other nations are concerned.
The president could get away with needling former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as the “governor” of Canada.
Yet he can’t tease Canada into becoming America’s 51st state, and outright…
