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Consider 'madman theory,' leverage stacking when tackling Trump - The Hill Times

hilltimes.com

The Gordie Howe Bridge deal is being held up as proof that deliberate unpredictability and stacked leverage can actually work against Trump's negotiating style.

Madman TheoryGame TheoryBargaining TheoryLeverage Stacking
Consider 'madman theory,' leverage stacking when tackling Trump - The Hill Times

Theory Briefing

  • The Gordie Howe Bridge deal is cited as a real-world case where stacking leverage points successfully navigated Trump administration pressure.
  • Madman theory suggests a negotiator gains power by appearing unpredictable — the same tactic Trump uses can, in theory, be turned back on him.
  • Leverage stacking means accumulating multiple interdependent bargaining chips so no single concession collapses the whole deal.
  • The article frames these not as abstract ideas but as practical tools for governments and negotiators currently facing Trump.