The Fallout of the 'Madman Theory' in Foreign Policy

The discussion emphasizes the shortcomings of the 'madman theory' of foreign policy, particularly in regard to President Trump's approach. While this theory suggests that a seemingly unpredictable leader can keep adversaries off balance, it is noted that in practice, such unpredictability leads to heightened instability and complicates relationships with allies. The challenges arise because allies struggle to determine how to support policies when they lack clarity on the leader's intentions and red lines. Ultimately, the podcast argues that a powerful nation like the U.S. should not adopt an erratic strategy, as it undermines the international order and confuses both allies and adversaries.