The High-Stakes Encounter Between Trump and Putin
The upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin is set to take place in Alaska, marking a significant moment in their complex relationship. As the two leaders prepare to meet for the first time since 2019, the atmosphere is tense, with high stakes and potential for dramatic shifts in power dynamics. This encounter comes amid heightened global tensions, with Trump pushing for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and U.S. nuclear submarines heading toward Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow has issued ominous warnings about doomsday weapons, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Body Language and Power Dynamics
Body language expert Judi James, who has closely analyzed previous encounters between the two leaders, believes that Trump's approach could be pivotal in this meeting. She suggests that humor might be one of Trump’s most effective tools, potentially used to disarm and belittle Putin. According to James, Putin has shown a comfort with frosty greetings, but he is also highly attuned to body language cues.
During their six meetings in Trump’s first term, the relationship between the two leaders evolved significantly. Initially, Trump appeared to have successfully recruited Putin into a kind of 'global alpha men's club.' However, more recently, Putin has distanced himself, leaving Trump feeling disappointed and frustrated. James notes that Trump's interactions with Putin are often based on visceral rather than intellectual levels, focusing on displays of personal strength and power to gain mutual respect.
Key Encounters and Insights
2017: G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany
Their first meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg was marked by awkwardness. Trump sat on the edge of his seat, appearing disinterested and distant. He used two key 'power moves' to assert control. First, he feigned disinterest by blinking and looking around the room. Second, he performed a ‘hand platter’ shake, forcing Putin to lean across and place his hand on top of Trump’s. This move demonstrated Trump's attempt to establish dominance.
During formal photographs, Putin adopted a 'vaguely compliant air,' appearing miserable. Trump repeated the handshake to reinforce his position, highlighting the power struggle at play.
2018: Helsinki
In Helsinki, the two leaders held two hours of private talks. At a joint press conference, Trump contradicted his own intelligence agencies, suggesting no reason for Russian interference in the 2016 election. James noted that their poses during the meeting suggested a 'meeting of alpha minds,' with both standing with their chests puffed out like superheroes.
However, a dramatic mood change occurred when Putin's confident demeanor shifted. Trump offered a normal handshake, but the interaction was marked by a 'look of wary eye-to-eye confrontation.' Both leaders performed a lip-clamp to show firmness and resolution. When Putin gifted Trump a soccer ball, the U.S. president held it stiffly before passing it to Melania, indicating a lack of enthusiasm.
2019: Osaka
Their last meeting in Osaka, Japan, saw a superficial continuation of their 'bromance.' Putin walked into the room, and Trump greeted him with open arms, signaling a friendship. However, there was a lack of fundamental mirroring, with Putin maintaining a straight posture while Trump appeared less formal.
Trump’s handshake was again telling, as he attempted to pull Putin towards him to establish control. Despite this, Putin remained unmoved. Smiling on both sides indicated an established friendship, with Putin showing he could joke with Trump in English. Trump, on the other hand, performed preening gestures to suggest he enjoyed trading jokes with a fellow alpha.
Conclusion
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin will be a critical test of their relationship. While Trump may rely on humor and body language to gain the upper hand, Putin's strategic awareness and ability to read the situation could shift the balance of power. As they prepare to face each other once more, the outcome of their encounter could have far-reaching implications for international relations and global stability.