Former CIA Station Chief Warns: Flattery Can Be a Diplomatic Trap for Trump and Putin

Flattery Gets You Nowhere: A Former Moscow Station Chief on Trump and Putin A former CIA station chief in Moscow has spoken out about the dangers of flattery in international diplomacy, citing his own experiences with President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Rob Dannenberg, who served as the CIA's Moscow station chief from 2015 to 2017, told NPR that he witnessed firsthand how flattery can be used as a tool for manipulation. "When you're dealing with leaders like Putin or Trump, they want to hear what they want to hear," Dannenberg said. "They don't want to hear the truth; they want to hear praise and flattery." Dannenberg's comments come at a time when tensions between the US and Russia are running high. In recent months, both countries have engaged in a series of diplomatic spats, with Trump and Putin exchanging barbs on social media. According to Dannenberg, the problem with flattery is that it can create a false sense of security among leaders. "When you're flattering someone like Putin or Trump, they start to believe their own hype," he said. "They think they're invincible, and that's when you get into trouble." Dannenberg's experiences in Moscow were marked by a series of high-stakes diplomatic encounters with both Putin and Trump. In one notable incident, Dannenberg recalled how Trump attempted to charm Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin. "Trump was trying to win Putin over with flattery," Dannenberg said. "He was saying things like 'You're a great leader' and 'I love your country.' But what he didn't understand is that Putin doesn't respond well to flattery. He responds well to strength." Dannenberg's comments have sparked debate among experts about the role of flattery in international diplomacy. Some argue that flattery can be an effective tool for building relationships, while others warn that it can create a culture of sycophancy. "Flattery can be a useful tool in certain situations," said Dr. Maria Snegovaya, a Russian expert at George Washington University. "But when it's used excessively or insincerely, it can damage trust and credibility." As the US and Russia continue to navigate their complex relationship, Dannenberg's warnings about the dangers of flattery are likely to resonate with policymakers. Background: The CIA has been accused of using flattery as a tool for gathering intelligence in the past. In 2017, the agency was criticized for its handling of a meeting between Trump and Putin at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Fiona Hill, a former National Security Council staffer who served under Trump, has spoken out about the dangers of flattery in international diplomacy. "Flattery can be a trap," she said. "When you're flattering someone like Putin or Trump, they start to believe their own hype." Current Status and Next Developments: The US and Russia are currently engaged in a series of diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries. However, experts warn that flattery may still be playing a role in these negotiations. As one expert noted, "Flattery can be a useful tool for building relationships, but it's not a substitute for substance." *Reporting by Npr.*