“When Donald Trump first ran for U.S. president in 2016, he sounded mad an awful lot of the time—in both senses of the word.” In the realm of international politics, there exists a concept known as the “madman theory.” This theory suggests that projecting an image of unpredictability and irrationality can be a strategic advantage

In the Winter 2025 issue of Foreign Policy, the cover art vividly captures the essence of the times. A striking illustration portrays Donald Trump clutching segments of a shattered rollercoaster while cars whirl above his head—a visual metaphor for the tumultuous political landscape he symbolizes. The headline boldly declares: “Trump World.” The magazine delves deep