In his book, “US Grand Strategy and the Madman Theory”, Boys argues that projecting calculated irrationality can terrify adversaries into submission, but at enormous risk. From Nixon’s secret Cold War gambit to Trump’s chaotic, tweet-driven diplomacy, Boys argues that these two leaders weaponised unpredictability to keep allies guessing and enemies off balance. Where does strategy end and madness begin? In an era where perception can dictate power, unpredictability becomes a weapon and fear its sharpest edge. This is an essential event for anyone wanting to understand U.S. politics under Trump.

Dr John Hemmings

Director for the National Security Centre at the Henry Jackson Society

Dr James D. Boys

Senior Research Fellow, Centre on US Politics, University College London