US bullying erodes values that made US world leader
By: By David Gosset
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
US bullying erodes values that made US world leader
In launching an unnecessary and poorly conceived trade war — particularly against China — US President Donald Trump has committed at least three serious strategic errors. Each of these errors carries significant consequences not only for the United States but also for the balance of global economic power.
First, the US administration has underestimated the harmful impact the trade war will have on the US economy. Second, it has misjudged the strength and adaptability of the Chinese economy. Third, and perhaps most dangerously, it has failed to see the long-term risk of the US being increasingly sidelined in new forms of globalization, many of which are already taking shape thanks to the efforts of China and some other countries.
To begin with, the idea that the US economy can emerge stronger from a tariff-fueled trade war reflects a misunderstanding of the global economic system. The imposition of tariffs on a wide range of imports leads to increased costs for US businesses and consumers alike. As input materials become more expensive, manufacturers face shrinking margins, and retailers are compelled to raise prices.
The ripple effect of these economic disruptions affects jobs, investment, and consumer confidence. Far from strengthening the US economy, this approach undermines its competitiveness and stability. Economists and business leaders across the spectrum warned of these consequences, but the US administration chose to ignore them, guided more by populist rhetoric than by sound economic reasoning.
Also, the US administration has significantly underestimated the resilience and long-term strategy of the Chinese economy. Although China will initially feel the strain of the US tariffs, it will likely respond with a mix of countermeasures, stimulus policies and expeditious reform. Rather than collapsing under pressure, China will adapt to the change. It will strengthen its domestic market, boost innovation, and pursue new trade partnerships across Asia, Europe and Africa.
The Belt and Road Initiative, among others, will gain further momentum, and China will strengthen ties with other major economies, particularly those alienated by the US' retreat from multilateralism. In the end, China will turn the trade war into an opportunity to speed up its economic transformation and reduce its dependence on US markets and technologies.
Perhaps the most significant misjudgment the US administration has made is the strategic risk of marginalization. By alienating US allies, abandoning multilateral institutions and undermining the norms of global cooperation, the US is increasingly isolating itself. In contrast, China embraces global economic engagement and positions itself as a champion of free trade and international collaboration.
This shift allows China to shape the evolving global economic order to its advantage. Regional trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which excludes the US, are concrete examples of how globalization is continuing without the US' leadership. Over time, this could result in the US losing its influence in setting global standards and rules, thereby weakening its strategic position.
What we are witnessing is not just an economic miscalculation but a dangerous case of political hubris. An apoplectic, tunnel-visioned leader, surrounded by sycophants unwilling to challenge his worldview, has made decisions that will harm his own country's interests. The Trump administration has mistaken bravado for strategy and nationalism for economic wisdom. In doing so, it has pushed the US down a path of self-inflicted isolation.
On the other hand, China has every incentive to continue opening up to the world and refining its global strategy. The trade war, intended as a tool to reassert American dominance, may ultimately expand China's influence in world affairs.
The US' trade war reveals a troubling blend of short-sightedness and arrogance. It ignores the complexities of a deeply interconnected world and overestimates the US' unilateral power. Worse, it undermines the very values and institutions that once made it a global leader.
The author, a sinologist and specialist in global affairs, is the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative.
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A different point of view.
China is our "enemy" of this era. The United States needs a main enemy. For decades it was the communist Soviet Union. When that rivalry fell apart the enemy of choice became the world's Muslims. Since the end of the Iraq war China has become the chief villain, make that the dreaded Chinese Communist Party. To a good portion of the politically aware American people China is the devil incarnate. Personally I have never quite understood it.
I came to realize quite a while ago that it was necessary for the USA to declare some other nation to be its "enemy" for the "required" purpose of positioning itself as superior. In that regard, China was, and is, a good choice. So be it, but what Trump has started is a war that he is going to lose, and unfortunately he will have harmed those whom he was supposed to protect along with him.
Putin directly threatened Japan yesterday and we have an obligation to defend Japan.
We are creeping closer to DEFCON 3 with this fool and his Cabinet in charge.
Where are all of the quotes from Jefferson about the tree of liberty needing to be fed a little blood now and then?
Where are all the NT Trump loyalists?
Be kind.
It's a tough time for the Ministry of Truth. Since theu have no idea what the Mad King will do/say next, they don't know what instructions to give to their sockpuppets.
I doubt that any of Trump's advisors, much less Trump himself, is truly up to date on China. Even five years ago, China was behind the US in international influence. I don't think that's true today.
Especially with the Donald actively destroying our foreign relations
The only advantage that we have is the pitiful state of the Chinese currency and banking.
Meanwhile
We haven't stopped Hamas or Israel or Hezbollah or the Houthis or the Somalis but we are bombing Yemen hourly with Saudi Arabia who manipulates the price of oil against us.
The best of the best are lying on Trumps behalf, mortified that they orchestrated the loss of at least 3 trillion in the US market and possibly 8 to 9 trillion globally.
All of this after a hand off of what economists called the best economy in the world as recently as October.
A coup wouldn't be a surprise at this point.
The failures you list aren't personal to Trump,so they don't matter to him. "National interest" is of no interest to him
Having been using the Chinese currency and banking for the past almost 19 years I wasn't aware that it was pitiful. Do you have a source that I can open and read that explains that?
I don't know if you can read this or should open it.
China offers first hint of devaluation with weak renminbi fix
It would be logical for China to pretext Trump's trade war to "better situate the renminbi.
"Trump's fault, y'a know!"
I cannot. Is it recent? I've not seen anything about that.
3 days ago
I guess if it is something I should be concerned about I will know soon enough. However, I don't think any adjustment would be big enough to cause me real difficulty. I don't think the Chinese government will make any adjustment that would compare to the insanity of those made by Trump and his appointees.
I think that most other nations are trying to be diplomatic and not shooting back like Canada and China have done, and I would think that China's stance has to be building its international influence..
Long game...
I just read that there is an issue with the tariff collection process.
The administration either can't keep up with the new tariff rules or the flip flopping on the percentage fluctuations. The United States has collected NOTHING yet until it gets fixed.
It would be almost funny if DOGE failing to program software is the cause for losing all those tariffs.
Lack of foresight has been their biggest problem from the beginning.