Problem with metaphors.... --- ...is something we'll discuss later in the course, but in this particular example, please note that the 'carrot and the stick' metaphor requires us to make a distinction between persuasion and manipulation.

The metaphor (as well as Dante's allegory you mention) imply that the reword/carrot/fruit remains out of reach the whole time, i.e., the 'donkey' never gets the reward. This sounds better suited for describing 'manipulation' where one side uses all means at their disposal to get what they want, without any attention being paid to what the other side (the 'donkey') wants or needs.

'Persuasion' on the other hand has less negative implications, as we can also persuade someone to do something that is good for them, e.g. parents persuading children to eat broccoli.

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu