Trump's 'madman theory' backfires - Alternet.org
alternet.org
Trump's use of the "Madman Theory" — projecting unpredictability to intimidate rivals — may be backfiring, revealing the razor-thin line between strategic irrationality and self-defeating chaos.
Madman TheoryGame TheoryDeterrence TheoryCredibility Signaling
Theory Briefing
- The Madman Theory holds that feigning irrationality can coerce adversaries — Trump's supporters argued this applied to his Iran posture.
- The strategy risks credibility collapse when bluffs are called, turning perceived unpredictability into a liability rather than leverage.
- Alternet argues the approach has backfired, suggesting the line between calculated madness and genuine strategic incoherence may have been crossed.