If you were unsure what gaslighting or coercive control was, you need only look at the Trump administration to receive a master class.
Gaslighting: Trump declares at regular intervals, “I am the peacemaker” while funnelling billions to perpetuate a genocide that could not have happened without his ongoing support.
“I have created peace,” he declares while still allowing Israel to starve and bomb innocent Palestinians because “hostage” bodies are still under rubble caused by his bombs.
Coercive control: World leaders stumble over themselves to prostrate before Trump, to land a photo at the White House, believing that grovelling to him will mitigate his desire to humiliate them in front of the cameras. “You do what I want, or you’ll regret it.”
As a sweetener, these “leaders” give him whatever he wants. Our prime minister has promised not only billions in yearly AUKUS down payments, but signed over our critical minerals to the US.
History will record Trump as all that is abhorrent with our era. How will history remember those leaders, who stumbled over themselves to shake his hand and get a photo opportunity?
Australia had such an opportunity to be a leading light of integrity, and we failed dismally.