By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Who Really Holds All the Cards — and Why Trump’s Harsh Rule Stings Because It’s True
A satirical, global, psychological, and brutally practical breakdown of negotiation, power, and why people lose when they think feelings beat leverage.
Shock Opener:
“Diplomacy is just war wearing nicer clothes. Negotiation is conflict — politely delayed.”
Trump once said: “People want to negotiate when they hold no cards.”
Millions got offended.
Strategists got quiet.
Because he wasn’t being cruel — he was being accurate.
Core Law of Leverage (Centerpiece Section)
You don’t win by talking. You win by having options.
✔ If you can walk away, you negotiate.
✔ If you can’t, you plead.
✔ Calling something “a fair deal” doesn’t matter if the other side knows you can’t afford to leave.
Punchline truth:
Negotiation without leverage is just begging — with a better vocabulary and slightly nicer shoes.
Visual Suggestion:
Two characters at a table: one relaxed with multiple cards behind their back (options); the other sweating with only one fragile card labeled “Hope.”
Global Stage: The Geopolitical Poker Table
| Global Player | Their Card | Why They Dominate |
| 🇺🇸 USA | Dollar, Military, SWIFT, Tech Giants | Owns the casino |
| 🇨🇳 China | Loans + Manufacturing Chains | “Here’s a highway… you’ll pay later.” |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | Winter + Energy | “Enjoy freezing? No? Then listen.” |
| 🇪🇺 EU | Regulation, Market Access | Writes rules, hopes others read them |
| 🛢 OPEC | Oil | Flicks fuel prices = flicks global panic |
| 🇮🇳 India | Growing Market + Neutral Diplomacy | Playing long game quietly |
| 🌍 Africa | Minerals + Youth | Still renting out its treasure map |
BRICS vs IMF Side Panel:
- IMF says: “We’ll lend you cash — but behave like us.”
- BRICS says: “We’ll lend you cash — but behave differently… or else.”
- The Global South: “So this is what poker feels like when you don’t own any chips.”
Visual: Poker table with national characters, USA as the dealer flicking chip labeled “Dollar,” China stacking debt contracts like chips, Africa looking for a seat.
Business World: Office Politics Meets Shark Tank
| Situation | Who Holds the Cards? | Why |
| Salary talk | The employee with multiple offers | “My market value isn’t emotional — it’s competitive.” |
| Client negotiation | The provider with alternatives | Scarcity multiplies respect |
| Supplier pricing | Whoever owns rare supply | “We are the only approved vendor.” |
| Startup vs VC | Whoever can survive longer without cash | Time = leverage |
⚠️ If you have one income stream, one client, or one skill — you are not negotiating. You are hoping they feel generous.
Relationships: The Emotional Supply Chain
| Emotional Dynamic | Who Has the Power? |
| Who needs less validation | Stronger |
| Who has options (real or perceived) | Controls pace |
| Who fears loss more | Compromises faster |
| Who can remain silent longer | Wins most arguments |
“Love is emotional. Terms are economic. Stability is logistical.”
Visual: Two hearts on a seesaw — one surrounded by many doors (options), one clinging tightly.
Everyday Power Systems (Quick Snapshots)
| Arena | Leverage Holder | Why |
| Parenting | Child with tantrum leverage or parent with consequence control | Depends who blinks first |
| Religion | Institution holding salvation narrative | Afterlife access = top-tier leverage |
| Academia | Tenured professor | Knows he can’t be fired |
| Social media | Creator with attention monopoly | Views = digital currency |
The “Losers’ Section”
Things people say when they have no leverage:
❌ “Can we discuss this when things calm down?” (You’re cornered)
❌ “Let’s be fair about this.” (You’re outmatched)
❌ “I’ve given this company 10 years!” (They’ve moved on mentally)
❌ “You’ll never find someone like me.” (They’re already texting someone like you)
❌ “But I believe we deserve better.” (Belief isn’t collateral)
Psychology of Power: Why Leverage Feels Like Confidence
✔ People respect those who don’t need their approval.
✔ Scarcity boosts perceived value — in products and people.
✔ Silence is a power move; over-explaining is a panic signal.
✔ The person ready to leave radiates strength — even before leaving.
Quote Box:
“Most ‘confidence’ is just secretly having a backup plan.”
The Trump Doctrine (Decoded Without Politics)
| Trumpism | Leverage Translation |
| “Walk if the deal’s bad.” | If you can’t walk, you never had power. |
| “Make them think you’ve got better offers.” | Perceived options still count as pressure. |
| “Say no more often.” | Boundaries signal abundance. |
| “Hit them where it hurts — wallets or reputation.” | Target dependence to bend decisions. |
How to Build Leverage (Your Personal Power Toolkit)
✅ Become so skilled no one can replace you easily
✅ Develop multiple income streams
✅ Build a wide network quietly — before you need it
✅ Reduce lifestyle dependence so quitting isn’t fatal
✅ Learn emotional detachment from outcomes
✅ Let silence do more talking
✅ Never negotiate during desperation — fix your foundation first
Final Law:
“When you have no cards, don’t enter the game. Learn it. Build a deck. Then return as the dealer.”
Final CTA (Positioned as a Thought Leadership Anchor)
Want better deals in life, business, or geopolitics? Stop asking for power. Start manufacturing it.
Power isn’t given — it’s engineered through leverage.
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a globally recognized public accounting and management consultancy firm. Under his visionary leadership, JS Morlu has become a pioneer in developing cutting-edge technologies across B2B, B2C, P2P, and B2G verticals. The firm’s groundbreaking innovations include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), setting new industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and technological excellence.