A common element for Donald Trump, Yulia Vitte, and Cardinal Richelieu is the use of Chinese stratagems in negotiations. Stratagems are tactics reminiscent of military cunning, applied in various life situations. They help you act one step ahead, avoid unnecessary disputes, and find hidden opportunities both in business and in everyday life. There are 36 known Chinese stratagems in total. Igor Ryzov, a Russian negotiator, adapted these tactics for the modern Russian context, offering many simple and clear examples. Among the topics he covers are how to weaken the opponent’s vigilance, when it’s worth giving up a benefit, what is better—direct confrontation or gradual weakening of the opponent—and what risks are associated with using outdated techniques.