Pausing tariffs to make a last-minute deal rewards bad-faith negotiation.

Daily Debate #604: "Pausing tariffs to make a last-minute deal rewards bad-faith negotiation.". You are arguing FOR the motion. Your opponent: Peter Thiel.

Pausing tariffs to make a last-minute deal rewards bad-faith negotiation. Whether it be countries or people, when one is not strong on their word in negotiations, their word loses a ton of leverage and other parties may not take them seriously know you will back down.

Wrong framing. Pausing tariffs isn't rewarding bad faith, it's *recognizing leverage shifts*. If a deal suddenly becomes viable at the eleventh hour, backing down from threats that no longer serve you demonstrates strategic flexibility, not weakness. Desperation to impose tariffs you've already threatened signals *you'll* use threats recklessly next time. Which party looks unreliable then, the one adapting to new terms or the one rigidly punishing agreements?