This article examines the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs on foreign countries as part of a larger strategy to redefine the global economic order. The tariffs are viewed not in isolation but as a reflection of a broader shift towards bilateralism, away from multilateral agreements like those under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The US, under the Trump administration, aimed to reconstruct global trade on a bilateral basis, negotiating individual trade deals rather than relying on international agreements. This approach stems from the belief that the existing international order, established by the US itself, has become disadvantageous to American interests, particularly in manufacturing.
The article highlights that the US no longer holds unipolar power, facing challenges from rising powers like China. This shift is driving the US to attempt to create a tighter economic and security bloc closely aligned with its interests. The tariffs are a tool to force allies into closer alignment and to sanction those seen as cooperating with China.
The US aims to secure its position by forging stronger ties with its allies and pressuring countries to prioritize US interests. This strategy could be interpreted as a response to a perceived decline in US global hegemony, with a potential emergence of a new Cold War dynamic with China forming separate spheres of influence.
The article emphasizes that the effort to reshape the global economic order is not solely a Trump initiative. Biden also pushed for the revitalization of US industry, indicating bipartisan agreement on the need to adjust the US's position in the global economy. The tariffs are just one element in a larger, ongoing strategic shift.