Which is currently the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world? If, as I suspect, its the USA then im not sure who is ripping off who. In the 1970s the UK carpet industry was decimated. My company manufactured and sold carpets for offices to wholsalers. When i left in 1975 they were dying because US companies were selling carpets in the UK for less per sq yard than we could manufacture them. How? Subsidies to manufacturers. The USA loves macho violent bullies. Watch TVs and movies. Trump matches that love and he is acting like the big kid in the playground. Threatening invasion and stealing our lunch money. But bullies can be beaten by intelligence and by standing up to them. It appears that most of the world has decided to do just that. No more "nice guy". The intelligent adults in the US now have to do their job and stop the bullies. Or else.
Hi Graham, I would love to hear any thoughts or ideas you might have on ways to measure wealth and power, regardless of how "out there" it might sound.
Very well written article. I think you are spot on about the rationalizations Trump gives for the tariffs. I think part of the reason behind it may be power as you suggest but I think the main reason is for personal gain. He will remove the tariffs when a country, company, or industry pays him to do so. He has his own cryptocurrency that facilitates him getting paid (or bribed) to remove the tariffs without anyone knowing. If you noticed Russia and North Korea did not have any tariffs levied against them and I believe that is because they already paid him to not levy any tariffs on them. Great article!
What an excellent,cogent and rational analysis by Grace!
We are witnessing the decline and fall of American Empire.As Grace pointed out, the forces which are subverting it are not the third-world countries or the alliance of the subjugated,enslaved and colonialized countries,it’s America’s whimsical Trump King whose unreasonable imposition of big tariffs are forcing nearly all the other countries of the world unite.
The Trump’s recklessness and authoritarianism will lead to waves after waves of uprisings ,revolutions,civil rights movements and social justice movements against the Trump-Musk oligarchic system.Human beings are at a precipitous edge.
However,there is one “shining point” of Trump King our Chinese people should be thankful for———— Trump is not as hypocritical as the previous US presidents like Biden,Obama and Clinton who have always talked about human rights and democracy.Trump King believed might is right,he has torn America’s mask apart,exposing its brutal,revengeful and capricious nature.In China for the last 3 decades since 1980s,there have been a large group of influential Pro-America intellectuals who have tried to brainwash Chinese people into accepting that America was a friendly,democratic,civilized,advanced country,they have tried to glorify and praise everything of US and not allow any criticism of it.
As a result,lots of Chinese people have been cheated by them and China’s left-wing thinkers and intellectuals have been demonized and marginalized,praising America has almost proven to be politically correct.So now the American Worship as a popular phenomenon and ruling ideology in China now may gradually disappear.That’s why I think Chinese people should be thankful for the scoundrel-like, villain-like Trump King.
I sincerely wish that at this tumultuous era,we can gradually have the real international solidarity against the austerity,exploitation,the Israeli genocide and US Empire.We need to usher in a new era and bury the US-led imperial age.Trump-King can’t wait to consolidate his power.What has really surprised him is that other countries including China,Canada and UN won’t bow their heads and subject themselves to the humiliation and manipulation of US coercion.
At this critical world-historical junction,we need a global anti-colonial,anti-neoliberal global resistance movement,we also need a new governing political philosophy of human dignity and welfare.
The road ahead may be long and not smooth,the priority now is to awaken the people.
This part so true can't believe mire not saying this..We should not mourn the collapse of the ‘rules based international order’. It was built to serve US capital, not working people, whether in the US or anywhere else. But it is interesting to note that the collapse of this deeply unfair system will not be driven by poor countries coming together to subvert a system that keeps them down, but by rich countries lashing out as their dominance fades." Exactly. I do not mourning end of globalisation which hadn't ended. I fear the lack of vision of Starmer as to what could be a improvement. This is when lack of ism backing up right wing labour becomes a problem.
It’s not about the US looking for power. This whole trade war is about one man’s mega ego looking for power. You’ve heard his cabinet interviewed, they don’t have a coherent message.
That’s because they really don’t know what’s going on. This is a sociopath testing his power, how far can he bully and push world leaders, business leaders and entire countries.
He once said he could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth avenue in New York and he wouldn’t lose any voters. What if he economically « shoots » the entire world? He believes the same thing will happen… nothing.
Not going to argue he isn't a sociopath! But this is actually about Trump trying to fix America's biggest problem, which is more than $36 trillion of debt it owes. He is using power and hopes to reduce tariffs charged on goods that American companies produce and sell abroad.
He’s not trying to fix anything. He’s bullying world leaders and countries to stroke his own ego. There is no plan here. They’re not even real tariffs, they’re import taxes, taxes that US importers pay. You think putting tariffs on some of the world’s poorest countries and some uninhabited islands is going to pay down the national debt?
America definitely needs to start reducing its huge pile of debt! It’s like having a huge mortgage on your home! If you can’t service the payments you default! (Or in this case, the USD will collapse)
The USA's debt represents 35% of the world’s total outstanding debt (which is about 4% of the world population). Also, Japan is a net exporter and *producer*, whilst the USA is a net importer and *consumer*.
Trump only cares about Trump. If you believe he cares at all about the US, you have purchased a bottle of snake oil. He has sold millions of people his snake oil because they rightly believe that the president of the United States will work for the citizens of the US. This is what is expected of any president, and has been true of every other US president. However, Trump is the first pure narcissist / sociopath to become president. Every action or decision he makes is done with the intention of benefiting himself. The crypto grift, the free plane, etc. Etc.
I love watching and listening to your interviews. You’re an awesome speaker, and I wish I were as good!
I hear and see your perspective that Trump's tariffs are mainly about maintaining U.S. dominance through economic coercion rather than genuinely helping workers.
That said, America’s trade deficit with the rest of the world has persisted for years, and presents a significant problem that really needs to be addressed. The USA effectively finances trade gaps using debt. Any dollars, bonds, or debt instruments used are not real settlement; they are merely deferrals.
America continues to borrow to consume, offering paper promises in return. This CANNOT go on forever; in fact, it's IMPOSSIBLE to sustain indefinitely. At some point, the promises must be redeemed with things of real value. Otherwise, it's a countdown to the collapse of the dollar or, at the very least, its devaluation.
So, this is not really about controlling the world; it raises a significant issue for America and its trading partners. The question is - Can it still produce goods that its trading partners want?
No mention of any merit whatsoever in tarrifs, especially when they are entirely reciprocal and/or critical in that there is no local production capabilities. It's not just about a Trump power thing, that's unfair.
Great peice Grace. Fully agree. I've read some insightful arcticles and opinion pieces on the underlying power play and economic impacts of the trade wars but not alot about a central issue. Countries able to produce goods cheaper than other countries, generally do so, by being more successful at exploiting workers. It just strikes me that it's actually the issue most closely aligns with my interest rather than the almost child-like economic drama created by this menace as a smokescreen for fascism.
Spot on. He sees tariffs as a way to gain leverage in negotiations with other countries so that he can get a better deal. Classic “Art of the Deal” stuff. He thinks every deal has a winner and a loser, so other countries have to be the loser. Also: market manipulation and insider trading.
Is Trump intellectually capable of even understanding power and the strategy required to secure it or is he just ‘acting out’? The jury is out for me Grace. He’s just flipped on his tariff position yet again. On, off, on, off, on, off. I’m dizzy. The art of the deal? More like the art of the squeal. I cannot see the American people tolerating this cruel clown show for much longer. He’ll be gone by Christmas. Of course, I say that with fingers crossed.
So, we should be content about losing any semblance of rules-based international order, even for poorer countries that will obviously be hardest hit? Lol. Try that message in Vietnam or Bangladesh. Maybe the next column will offer some insight into what should actually be done in response.
I think it's important to understand the reasoning behind some of these decisions - even if Trump is personally an irrational figure, he's backed by people who have a plan and we should try to understand it!
A VERY salient point. He is backed by powerful people and institutions who indeed have a very clear plan. His chaotic personality and lack of coherence is the whitespace needed to drive a bigger agenda.
Nur, the answer to your question is that it is very difficult, mainly due, as you say, to the higher wages that need to be paid to make anything in America. This is the reason why manufacturers get stuff made abroad - because it's cheaper. But if Americans want to spend money and CONSUME, they must earn money by PRODUCING (ie, making things). They can't carry on *consuming* by *borrowing* forever. Try doing that on your credit card without paying off the monthly minimum amount!
Which is currently the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world? If, as I suspect, its the USA then im not sure who is ripping off who. In the 1970s the UK carpet industry was decimated. My company manufactured and sold carpets for offices to wholsalers. When i left in 1975 they were dying because US companies were selling carpets in the UK for less per sq yard than we could manufacture them. How? Subsidies to manufacturers. The USA loves macho violent bullies. Watch TVs and movies. Trump matches that love and he is acting like the big kid in the playground. Threatening invasion and stealing our lunch money. But bullies can be beaten by intelligence and by standing up to them. It appears that most of the world has decided to do just that. No more "nice guy". The intelligent adults in the US now have to do their job and stop the bullies. Or else.
That's a fascinating historical parallel, thanks Graham! And very true - the US has been breaking its own rules for decades.
Hi Graham, I would love to hear any thoughts or ideas you might have on ways to measure wealth and power, regardless of how "out there" it might sound.
Very well written article. I think you are spot on about the rationalizations Trump gives for the tariffs. I think part of the reason behind it may be power as you suggest but I think the main reason is for personal gain. He will remove the tariffs when a country, company, or industry pays him to do so. He has his own cryptocurrency that facilitates him getting paid (or bribed) to remove the tariffs without anyone knowing. If you noticed Russia and North Korea did not have any tariffs levied against them and I believe that is because they already paid him to not levy any tariffs on them. Great article!
What an excellent,cogent and rational analysis by Grace!
We are witnessing the decline and fall of American Empire.As Grace pointed out, the forces which are subverting it are not the third-world countries or the alliance of the subjugated,enslaved and colonialized countries,it’s America’s whimsical Trump King whose unreasonable imposition of big tariffs are forcing nearly all the other countries of the world unite.
The Trump’s recklessness and authoritarianism will lead to waves after waves of uprisings ,revolutions,civil rights movements and social justice movements against the Trump-Musk oligarchic system.Human beings are at a precipitous edge.
However,there is one “shining point” of Trump King our Chinese people should be thankful for———— Trump is not as hypocritical as the previous US presidents like Biden,Obama and Clinton who have always talked about human rights and democracy.Trump King believed might is right,he has torn America’s mask apart,exposing its brutal,revengeful and capricious nature.In China for the last 3 decades since 1980s,there have been a large group of influential Pro-America intellectuals who have tried to brainwash Chinese people into accepting that America was a friendly,democratic,civilized,advanced country,they have tried to glorify and praise everything of US and not allow any criticism of it.
As a result,lots of Chinese people have been cheated by them and China’s left-wing thinkers and intellectuals have been demonized and marginalized,praising America has almost proven to be politically correct.So now the American Worship as a popular phenomenon and ruling ideology in China now may gradually disappear.That’s why I think Chinese people should be thankful for the scoundrel-like, villain-like Trump King.
I sincerely wish that at this tumultuous era,we can gradually have the real international solidarity against the austerity,exploitation,the Israeli genocide and US Empire.We need to usher in a new era and bury the US-led imperial age.Trump-King can’t wait to consolidate his power.What has really surprised him is that other countries including China,Canada and UN won’t bow their heads and subject themselves to the humiliation and manipulation of US coercion.
At this critical world-historical junction,we need a global anti-colonial,anti-neoliberal global resistance movement,we also need a new governing political philosophy of human dignity and welfare.
The road ahead may be long and not smooth,the priority now is to awaken the people.
This part so true can't believe mire not saying this..We should not mourn the collapse of the ‘rules based international order’. It was built to serve US capital, not working people, whether in the US or anywhere else. But it is interesting to note that the collapse of this deeply unfair system will not be driven by poor countries coming together to subvert a system that keeps them down, but by rich countries lashing out as their dominance fades." Exactly. I do not mourning end of globalisation which hadn't ended. I fear the lack of vision of Starmer as to what could be a improvement. This is when lack of ism backing up right wing labour becomes a problem.
💯💯
Great analysis Grace, thanks for sharing
You are fully right
Thanks Stefano!
It’s not about the US looking for power. This whole trade war is about one man’s mega ego looking for power. You’ve heard his cabinet interviewed, they don’t have a coherent message.
That’s because they really don’t know what’s going on. This is a sociopath testing his power, how far can he bully and push world leaders, business leaders and entire countries.
He once said he could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth avenue in New York and he wouldn’t lose any voters. What if he economically « shoots » the entire world? He believes the same thing will happen… nothing.
I disagree with this perspective - I explain why in this video clip https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF2QNfJIhlO/?igsh=MXdzcndoeTIybm0xZA==
Not going to argue he isn't a sociopath! But this is actually about Trump trying to fix America's biggest problem, which is more than $36 trillion of debt it owes. He is using power and hopes to reduce tariffs charged on goods that American companies produce and sell abroad.
He’s not trying to fix anything. He’s bullying world leaders and countries to stroke his own ego. There is no plan here. They’re not even real tariffs, they’re import taxes, taxes that US importers pay. You think putting tariffs on some of the world’s poorest countries and some uninhabited islands is going to pay down the national debt?
America definitely needs to start reducing its huge pile of debt! It’s like having a huge mortgage on your home! If you can’t service the payments you default! (Or in this case, the USD will collapse)
Japanese debt is 263% to GDP and no one is taking about a collapase? What's the difference?
The USA's debt represents 35% of the world’s total outstanding debt (which is about 4% of the world population). Also, Japan is a net exporter and *producer*, whilst the USA is a net importer and *consumer*.
Trump only cares about Trump. If you believe he cares at all about the US, you have purchased a bottle of snake oil. He has sold millions of people his snake oil because they rightly believe that the president of the United States will work for the citizens of the US. This is what is expected of any president, and has been true of every other US president. However, Trump is the first pure narcissist / sociopath to become president. Every action or decision he makes is done with the intention of benefiting himself. The crypto grift, the free plane, etc. Etc.
I agree, he is 100% a narcissist
Hi Grace,
I love watching and listening to your interviews. You’re an awesome speaker, and I wish I were as good!
I hear and see your perspective that Trump's tariffs are mainly about maintaining U.S. dominance through economic coercion rather than genuinely helping workers.
That said, America’s trade deficit with the rest of the world has persisted for years, and presents a significant problem that really needs to be addressed. The USA effectively finances trade gaps using debt. Any dollars, bonds, or debt instruments used are not real settlement; they are merely deferrals.
America continues to borrow to consume, offering paper promises in return. This CANNOT go on forever; in fact, it's IMPOSSIBLE to sustain indefinitely. At some point, the promises must be redeemed with things of real value. Otherwise, it's a countdown to the collapse of the dollar or, at the very least, its devaluation.
So, this is not really about controlling the world; it raises a significant issue for America and its trading partners. The question is - Can it still produce goods that its trading partners want?
Best, Ko
Hi Ko, I hope this article answers some of your questions
Thanks for reading!
https://open.substack.com/pub/graceblakeley/p/the-economic-consequences-of-donald?r=2w74y&utm_medium=ios
No mention of any merit whatsoever in tarrifs, especially when they are entirely reciprocal and/or critical in that there is no local production capabilities. It's not just about a Trump power thing, that's unfair.
Great peice Grace. Fully agree. I've read some insightful arcticles and opinion pieces on the underlying power play and economic impacts of the trade wars but not alot about a central issue. Countries able to produce goods cheaper than other countries, generally do so, by being more successful at exploiting workers. It just strikes me that it's actually the issue most closely aligns with my interest rather than the almost child-like economic drama created by this menace as a smokescreen for fascism.
Spot on. He sees tariffs as a way to gain leverage in negotiations with other countries so that he can get a better deal. Classic “Art of the Deal” stuff. He thinks every deal has a winner and a loser, so other countries have to be the loser. Also: market manipulation and insider trading.
That’s certainly a part of the strategy yes!
Is Trump intellectually capable of even understanding power and the strategy required to secure it or is he just ‘acting out’? The jury is out for me Grace. He’s just flipped on his tariff position yet again. On, off, on, off, on, off. I’m dizzy. The art of the deal? More like the art of the squeal. I cannot see the American people tolerating this cruel clown show for much longer. He’ll be gone by Christmas. Of course, I say that with fingers crossed.
I cover some of these issues in this interview https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF2QNfJIhlO/?igsh=MXdzcndoeTIybm0xZA==
So, we should be content about losing any semblance of rules-based international order, even for poorer countries that will obviously be hardest hit? Lol. Try that message in Vietnam or Bangladesh. Maybe the next column will offer some insight into what should actually be done in response.
No, that’s not what the article says.
I wonder if it is even possible to reshore manufacturing with wages as high as they are in the US.
I think Trump is a figure of chaos and he will continue to cause more and more of it, irrespective of what the reasoning is.
I think it's important to understand the reasoning behind some of these decisions - even if Trump is personally an irrational figure, he's backed by people who have a plan and we should try to understand it!
A VERY salient point. He is backed by powerful people and institutions who indeed have a very clear plan. His chaotic personality and lack of coherence is the whitespace needed to drive a bigger agenda.
Nur, the answer to your question is that it is very difficult, mainly due, as you say, to the higher wages that need to be paid to make anything in America. This is the reason why manufacturers get stuff made abroad - because it's cheaper. But if Americans want to spend money and CONSUME, they must earn money by PRODUCING (ie, making things). They can't carry on *consuming* by *borrowing* forever. Try doing that on your credit card without paying off the monthly minimum amount!
"Trump has a plan...: wage economic war and hope the rest of the world comes off worse" writes Blakeley.