A common point of reference of trust
Abe as the prime minister of Japan had established a cordially cooperating relationship with Trump. A personal touch facilitated bilateral relationships. Talking about Abe, Trump instantly brought up a well-known and friendly relationship with Japan- letting Takiachi know that Trump values the previous relationship and wants to continue with it.
Takiachi strategic appeal
Takiachi is a disciple of Abe and publicly mentioned him during her speech to Trump. In doing so she was exploiting Abe to give her a boost in her own comments on his behalf when he spoke about dynamic diplomacy, as this gave her a sense of continuity, not innovation. One of the analyses referred to this as the Abe-effect that was intended to make Takiachi win over Trump.
Putting the US Japan alliance into context
In referring to Abe, Trump made sure that the relationship between the US and Japan is not being reset but is instead still rooted in the past that has been working. He informed Takiachi that Abe had been so complimentary about you and making you a part of the credible heritage of Abe’s membership and indicating his authorization.
Diplomatic overture to future cooperation
There is more strategic value to this sort of greeting. The allusion to Abe creates the impression of stability and partnership given the fact that Takiachi is the new prime minister of Japan and must address internal issues. To Trump it also assists: to be in line with a person who represents Abe is a process which leaves no room to doubt. The Reuters article reported that Takiyoshi tried to use the legacy of Abe to build a Trump relationship.
A personal touch in high stakes conversation
With politics, there is a human factor. Trump and Abe were reportedly rounds together on the golf course, with personal acquaintance. Trump makes use of a human memory instead of only the formal protocol by recalling Abe. Such personalization reduces the advantage of diplomatic niceties.
Trump referred to Abe since it was useful to establish a bridge between the old and new Japanese leadership, between the successes in the past and the objectives in the future in the US Japan relations, between personal friendship and formal alliance. It was a gesture that implies I recall our past cooperation, I am grateful for it, and I will continue it with you.
