Tom Friedman argues that the current Washington consensus on China as a hostile adversary is outdated. During his recent trip, he observed China’s advancements in manufacturing and technology, surpassing the U.S. He advocates for a new strategy to enhance domestic manufacturing to prevent the U.S. from falling behind in critical future industries.
Three essential videos highlight current economic issues: Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discussing tariffs and global order; Larry Summers and Neal Ferguson examining economic science’s relevance during crises; and Janet Yellen addressing the effects of Trump’s economic policies on the US and global economies.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers expresses extreme irritation (11/10) over the Trump administration’s trade war, labeling it a significant self-inflicted economic wound. He fears this will damage US credibility and warns against complacency regarding threats to democracy, prioritizing democratic norms over economic recovery. Summers is disappointed by the lack of public institutional response.
Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” policy aims to impose significant tariffs globally, reflecting his belief that the U.S. is a victimized entity exploited by other nations. He perceives the country’s loss of jobs, industries, and wealth as an injustice that requires rectification through aggressive trade measures.
In this Uncommon Knowledge episode, historian Niall Ferguson discusses Ukraine’s war stalemate, Trump’s foreign policy, and NATO’s evolving role amid US withdrawal signals. He draws historical parallels, critiques America’s waning power compared to Britain in the 1930s, and questions whether Trump’s strategies will avoid conflict or hasten US decline.
Nobel laureate Paul Krugman and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers discuss the ongoing US trade war, its detrimental effects on consumer confidence, and recession risks, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, emphasizes a unwavering stance against Trump, indicating escalating tensions in international relations.
Ian Bremmer highlights the Trump administration’s foreign policy focus on American unilateralism at the expense of traditional alliances, particularly in relation to Ukraine. He emphasizes that the future of transatlantic relations and NATO will depend more on European actions than U.S. involvement as the crisis unfolds.
As Donald Trump labels Ukraine’s President Zelensky a “dictator” amidst US-Russia peace talks, Sir Alex Younger and Catherine Belton analyze the implications for international relations. They suggest the White House is initiating a potentially transformative “new era” in diplomacy during a discussion featured on BBC’s Newsnight program.
Fareed Zakaria comments on the current state of the White House under President Trump, comparing it to a royal court where aides rush to defend his policies. He highlights that these foreign policy actions, though praised, are causing significant harm, raising concerns about their broader implications.
Nobel laureate Paul Krugman, a professor at the City University of New York, critiques President Donald Trump’s tariffs during an appearance on “Bloomberg The Close.” He argues that these tariffs hinder international trade and manufacturing, describing their effect as “throwing sand in the gears” of global commerce.