What Happens on Day 11? /Lt Col Daniel Davis & Larry Johnson

Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store

The conversation critiques the Trump administration’s aggressive foreign and trade policies, especially toward China, Russia, and key allies. The speakers argue that China and Russia have grown closer in recent years, largely in response to Western sanctions, U.S. threats, and the perceived erosion of the "One China" policy (e.g., U.S. support for Taiwan). Unlike the U.S., they say, China and Russia practice diplomacy through respect rather than coercion.

They contrast China’s cooperative approach with Trump’s adversarial tactics — like threatening allies such as Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan with stiff tariffs. These tactics are compared to extortion, treating friends like servants rather than partners. Trump’s economic threats, including a hard August 1 deadline for trade deals, are seen as self-defeating and potentially damaging to U.S. credibility and relationships.

The speakers highlight China’s economic rise — noting its dominance in electric vehicles, high-tech sectors, and rare earth minerals — as well as its transformation into a modern, literate, and technologically advanced country. Meanwhile, the U.S. is losing ground, lacks comparable industrial infrastructure, and remains dependent on China for critical resources.

Trump's approach to trade and diplomacy is described as erratic, inconsistent, and ultimately ineffective. He’s criticized for demanding rate cuts while claiming the economy is strong, sending mixed signals. If he follows through on tariffs after the August 9 deadline, the likely response from countries like China, Brazil, and India will be to shift away from the U.S. as a primary market — weakening U.S. influence and accelerating global economic realignment away from Washington.

The overarching message: Trump's confrontational strategy is alienating both allies and rivals, undermining U.S. leverage, and risking blowback in both geopolitical and economic terms.