Stand your floor – Econlib

That is what occurs when a rustic refuses to provide in to bullying:

In November 2020, accompanying its import bans, China produced an inventory of 14 grievances and demanded that Australia “right” its behaviour.

Mr Morrison ignored the demand, and took China to the WTO over its barley and wine bans. But now China has relented. This was per Mr Xi’s broader appeal offensive in Bali. And little doubt the appearance of Mr Albanese, a much less abrasive prime minister, supplied cowl for the climbdown. At backside, although, Australia’s refusal to bend meant the Chinese language method was simply not working. It’s a lesson, says Malcolm Turnbull, Australia’s prime minister from 2015 to 2018, universally relevant to victims of bullying: “Stand your floor.”

If all nations responded on this manner, the world would see much less bullying.  Sadly, not all nations are keen to face their floor.

The US authorities not too long ago gave in to bullying from Russia, which basically kidnapped a US basketball participant and held her hostage as a bargaining chip in negotiations to free a convicted arms seller.  It’s tempting to view this prisoner sway as a “humanitarian” gesture, however simply the alternative is true.  The truth that Russia’s techniques had been profitable insures that extra individuals shall be used this fashion sooner or later.  In the long term, there shall be extra hostages taken on account of the US authorities choice to provide in to the Russian calls for.

It is a good instance of what economists name the “time inconsistency drawback”.  Actions that appear helpful within the quick run could find yourself being very expensive in the long term.