Britain Is Getting Bullied by France, America and Tiny Mauritius

Despite losing a series of disastrous battles to a coalition of European allies led by John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough and ancestor of Winston, France secured a favorable peace deal at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714, unjustified by its military position. Diplomacy again came to the rescue after Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo a century later, and once more in 1945 when France recovered the trappings of great power status despite the humiliation of Nazi occupation — all by relentlessly pursuing the national interest. Might there be a French lesson for the British as our courtship of Europe and the US stumbles?

If that sounds like ancient history, then President Donald Trump provides some American tips that might be handy for British diplomats in The Art of the Deal. First, identify what the other party needs and use it as power; never seem desperate. Then aim high: Start with extreme demands, and push relentlessly for what you want, settling for less, but still a win. Fight back: Be aggressive and firm in conflicts, do not back down easily. Finally: Use publicity and media to your advantage and build your brand while all this is happening.