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MENTAL MODEL · M3317

Madman Theory

Madman Theory
CollaborateHigh supportInternational Relations
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Deliberately making opponents believe that you are irrational, unpredictable, or even crazy (such as being ready to press the nuclear button at any moment), thereby causing them to refrain from acting rashly out of fear and make concessions.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Irrational deterrence. In negotiations, if you appear too rational and predictable, opponents can calculate your bottom line. Moderately displaying an 'emotional' or 'reckless' side can increase your leverage. But this is a double-edged sword.

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By making yourself appear irrational, unpredictable, or even 'crazy', you cause opponents to yield due to fear of uncontrolled escalation. The mechanism is to create uncertainty and deter through risk.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madman_theoryZH · Explicit
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