Part 9/11:
Both Trump and Xi Jinping exemplify a broader phenomenon: leadership by aging, insular elites. Zion emphasizes that these leaders tend to rely on a narrow circle of advisors who suppress alternative perspectives, leading to rigid, personality-driven decision-making. This oligarchic governance hampers adaptability and fuels the cyclical nature of policy reversals and failed agreements.
The Broader Implications: An Uncertain Future
The recent diplomatic swings indicate a landscape of strategic uncertainty. The U.S. appears to oscillate between aggressive tariffs and fleeting agreements, while China and other Asian states navigate a world of superficial promises and fragile commitments.