Certainly, diplomacy is the art of saying "good dog" until you make it to the rock [to throw at the dog] as the saying goes. Counterparties are still headed towards the rock. Once they have sufficiently decoupled from the US, their policy and destiny are in their hands. Easier to say no to a bully when you're beyond their reach and the harm they can cause is immaterial.

Global Trade Is Leaving the US Behind - https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2026-02-12/on-tra... | https://archive.today/CFwlf - February 12th, 2026

(no dogs were harmed in the course of this comment)