The Rachman Review Chrystia Freeland on how to negotiate with autocrats — and allies
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Feb 19, 2026 
Chrystia Freeland, former Canadian deputy prime minister and unpaid economic adviser to Ukraine, brings trade, diplomacy and wartime perspective. She discusses negotiating with unpredictable leaders, when to push back against bullying, Europe's shifting stance with the US, and her role advising Ukraine amid a brutal, grinding conflict. Tough sanctions and coordinated pressure are central themes.
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Set Clear Red Lines In Tough Negotiations
- When facing a negotiator who treats talks as zero-sum, set clear red lines and be prepared to say no.
- Do not escalate, but also do not capitulate when someone tries to bully you.
Two Distinct Negotiation Mindsets
- Negotiations often start either from a win-win premise or a zero-sum stance that changes the tone entirely.
- Recognize which type you're in to choose collaborative or firm tactics.
CETA Negotiations’ Emotional Finish
- Chrystia Freeland recalls emotionally charged final moments negotiating CETA in Namur and other European venues.
- She uses that experience to illustrate cooperative but tough trade talks.