That's so wrong in so many levels, also cynical. If the world worked by what you described, we would have been already obliterated ourselves a long time ago, or mass-enslavery would have happened. It didn't.
Geopolitics can be studied and learned, and is something that diplomats heavily rely upon.
Of course, those geopolitical strategies can play in certain ways we don't foresee, as on the other side we also have an actor that is free to do what they want.
But for instance, if you give Mexico a very good trade agreement as a strong country like the US, it's very likely that they will work with you on your special requests.
Geopolitics can be studied and learned, and is something that diplomats heavily rely upon.
Of course, those geopolitical strategies can play in certain ways we don't foresee, as on the other side we also have an actor that is free to do what they want.
But for instance, if you give Mexico a very good trade agreement as a strong country like the US, it's very likely that they will work with you on your special requests.