Trying to win Donald Trump’s favor never pays off for long. India’s authoritarian prime minister, Narendra Modi, is the latest world leader to discover this the hard way. Believing he had won over his “true friend” in the White House, Modi thought he had secured Trump’s unpredictable loyalty. Their friendship peaked in 2019 when they held hands at a “Howdy Modi” rally in Texas. But things have since fallen apart due to Trump’s tariffs and his friendly overtures toward Pakistan. Like a spurned lover, Modi recently threw himself at Vladimir Putin during a meeting in China. It’s over between Donald and Narendra—though, to be honest, their bond always seemed shallow.
Other leaders who sought Trump’s approval have faced similar disappointments. France’s Emmanuel Macron went all out, hosting Trump at the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. But Trump turned on him after a disagreement over Gaza, dismissing him as a publicity-seeker who “always gets it wrong.” Ursula von der Leyen of the EU was so eager for a meeting that she flew to Trump’s golf course in Scotland. The outcome? A lopsided trade deal that rivals the unequal treaties imposed on China in the 19th century.
The list of broken promises and letdowns is long. International relationships usually depend on power, policy, and shared interests. But with Trump, everything is personal—and temporary. He told Mexico’s impressive president, Claudia Sheinbaum, that he “likes her very much,” then threatened to invade her country under the pretext of targeting drug cartels. Leaders from Canada, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and South Africa have all tried to win his favor, with little success.
This should serve as a warning to Britain’s Keir Starmer ahead of Trump’s state visit in ten days. Starmer’s attempts to cozy up to Trump have so far brought few benefits while damaging his reputation. The prime minister seems to believe his handling of U.S. relations is a highlight of his first year, yet Trump ignores his calls for a Gaza ceasefire and opposes UK recognition of a Palestinian state. Trump has also strengthened Putin, Britain’s adversary, with an ill-conceived summit in Alaska. U.S. security promises for Ukraine appear more like a mirage than reality, and his tariffs continue to harm UK workers.
This second state visit is a troubling prospect. Trump doesn’t deserve the honor. He stands to gain a royal endorsement, a chance to play king, and a platform to spread his divisive populist rhetoric at a time when both the U.S. and UK are socially fragile. Polls show many Britons oppose the visit and distrust the U.S., so it’s unclear what Starmer hopes to gain. The fleeting approval of a would-be dictator who is undermining U.S. democracy and global order is a poor return.
As Trump expects deference, this spectacle will make the UK look like a subordinate nation, unwilling to stand up for its values. Starmer’s government is already morally adrift—refusing to acknowledge that Israel, with Trump’s full support, is committing genocide in Gaza, while treating pro-Palestine T-shirts as terrorist symbols. The visit will be an embarrassment, signaling a slide back into colonial subservience. With the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence approaching, the so-called “special relationship” has come full circle in all the wrong ways.
Not everyone is bowing to Trump—and growing evidence suggests that standing up to him, not groveling, is the most effective approach. Modi’s pivot to China shows he’s learned that lesson.When dealing with Trump, a firm approach backed by alternative options is the most effective strategy. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, demonstrated this understanding in his defiant speech last week. Both Xi and Putin have found that when they stand their ground—whether on Ukraine, trade, or sanctions—Trump tends to back down. Xi has maintained an uncompromising position from the outset, while Putin uses flattery to skillfully manipulate Trump’s fragile ego. The outcome is the same: like bullies everywhere, Trump respects strength because he is weak at heart, so he gives in.
The tougher the opponent, the more meekly Trump reacts. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu—like Putin, an indicted war criminal—has shown that by holding firm, even militarily, he can stand up to Trump. Not only that, but Trump can be persuaded to cooperate. After Netanyahu struck Iran in June, against initial U.S. advice, he successfully drew the White House into supporting the action—though, predictably, Trump only joined in once victory seemed assured. He then, as usual, took credit for an exaggerated, world-altering success.
North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, similarly outmaneuvered Trump during his first term. Having learned nothing and still chasing his unlikely Nobel Peace Prize ambitions, Trump is once again floating the idea of unconditional talks with Kim.
Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has the right approach. The more Trump tries to intimidate him with threats of 50% tariffs and a stream of criticism, the more Lula resists. Trump is particularly fixated on the fate of Jair Bolsonaro, Lula’s far-right predecessor who, like Trump, attempted a failed electoral coup. But Lula isn’t yielding. “If the United States doesn’t want to buy from us, we will find new partners,” he stated. “The world is big, and it’s eager to do business with Brazil.”
That’s the right attitude—and it’s working. Lula’s approval ratings are climbing. Take note, Keir Starmer: it’s time to stand up to Trump.
Simon Tisdall is a foreign affairs commentator for The Guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic raised in the article One after another leaders are discovering that bowing to Trump ends in failure When will Starmer realise this by Simon Tisdall
General Beginner Questions
Q What is this article about
A Its an opinion piece arguing that world leaders who try to appease or overly align themselves with Donald Trump often end up failing politically or being humiliated It specifically questions why UK Labour leader Keir Starmer might be considering this approach
Q Who is Simon Tisdall
A Simon Tisdall is a foreign affairs commentator and an assistant editor for the British newspaper The Guardian where he often writes about international politics and diplomacy
Q What does bowing to Trump mean
A It means a leader changing their policies principles or public statements to please or gain favor with Donald Trump rather than acting in their own countrys best interests
Q Who is Keir Starmer
A Keir Starmer is the leader of the UKs Labour Party and as of the 2024 general election the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom The article was written before he took office questioning his potential strategy with Trump
Intermediate Contextual Questions
Q Can you give examples of leaders who failed by bowing to Trump
A The article likely cites leaders like former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who faced criticism for his close relationship with Trump and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who invested heavily in the relationship only for Trump to later criticize Japanese trade policies
Q What is the main risk for a leader like Starmer in aligning with Trump
A The risk is that Trump is seen as an unpredictable and transactional ally A leader could compromise their values and credibility for a relationship that may not provide lasting benefits and could even backfire if Trump publicly turns on them
Q Why would a leader feel pressured to bow to Trump in the first place
A Leaders might do this hoping to secure favorable trade deals strengthen a military alliance or gain a powerful international ally to bolster their domestic political standing
Q Is this article only about UK politics
