We know that Donald Trump has long chased after Vladimir Putin’s approval. Remember the time Trump tweeted: “Do you think Putin will be going to the Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow – if so, will he become my new best friend”? That was 13 years ago.

But now the American president is Putin’s match. Just not in the way he’d like.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the humiliation of Trump and Putin by far smaller nations – and where their distinctly “dumb” power might lead us all.


Background reading
While Xi gets smart, Trump and Putin are showing the world what dumb power can do

We know that Donald Trump has long chased after Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s approval. Remember the time Trump tweeted: &ldquo;Do you think Putin will be going to the Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow &ndash; if so, will he become my new best friend&rdquo;? That was 13 years ago.
But now the American president is Putin&rsquo;s match. Just not in the way he&rsquo;d like.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher&nbsp;on the humiliation of Trump and Putin by far smaller nations &ndash; and where their distinctly &ldquo;dumb&rdquo; power might lead us all.
 Background reading
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/while-xi-gets-smart-trump-and-putin-are-showing-the-world-what-dumb-power-can-do-20260601-p602ui.html">While Xi gets smart, Trump and Putin are showing the world what dumb power can do</a></li>
</ul>

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The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

Trump and Putin are showing the world what dumb power can do

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