Trump's refusal to concede is dangerous and profoundly undemocratic

However, he now has a thing others want

Without it, he has little

And so he is going to hold on to it as long as he can, to see what he can make of it

In a strange way, a rational act of a desperate person

If he concedes, he (personally) gains nothing

(Even if the polity gains a relief)

So this is a grand exercise of political game theory: as long as he holds on he has the possibility of something in exchange for the valuable concession

(Regardless of the political consequences)

From his personal selfish perspective, what possible incentive has he to concede this valuable thing for nothing in return?

None

And this is the key to understanding the man

The constant pursuit of leverage

Like a video game character leaping from seesaw to seesaw

Of course, he has only until 20 January 2021 to play this game

As unless something extraordinary happens, his term ends by automatic operation of law

But the potential disruption of two months without concession is immense

And he knows it, so he is playing it for all its worth

This is a perfect example of a thing being illustrated by the manner of its departure

While he does not concede, he retains power, attention and money, can promote possibility of running again, keeps a hold over Republicans in Congress, can seek a deal, cause mayhem

Concession, loses all this

With Trumpite assumptions, it would be *irrational* for him to concede

This insight, if it is an insight, is from 20 years as contract/commercial lawyer dealing with 'deal-makers' than from watching politics/law.

Trump may be better understood as a supposed business person, going from - and then reneging on - deal after deal, than as a politician.