Judging Freedom Prof. Jeffrey Sachs : Diplomacy by Insult — Trump and Norway
Jan 21, 2026
Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and public policy expert, delves into the implications of Trump's foreign policy and its disregard for international law. He critiques Trump's insulting rhetoric and questions the reliability of U.S. military actions. Sachs emphasizes Europe's complicity in U.S. decisions and advocates for an independent European foreign policy. He calls out the dangers of U.S. instability while highlighting the need for constructive diplomacy, using Canada's Mark Carney as a positive example.
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Presidential Rant Undermines International Law
- Jeffrey D. Sachs argues Trump's threats and insults represent a repudiation of international law and norms.
- He describes a pattern of delusional, unrestrained presidential behavior that damages diplomacy and global order.
Unprecedented Unhinged Behavior
- Sachs describes Trump's recent behavior as unprecedentedly unhinged, combining threats, bravado, and giddiness.
- He suggests psychological decompensation may explain the erratic pattern beyond mere thuggery.
Hypocrisy Of European Complaints
- Sachs highlights European hypocrisy: they tolerated U.S. lawlessness until the threats targeted Europe itself.
- He urges Europe to reflect on decades of U.S. extralegal actions rather than react only when affected.