US trade policy shifts toward structural lock‑in, deepening global supply‑chain dependence and widening inequality
Original framing: “The next phase of Trump’s trade war” — Financial Times
Economic modelling shows that sustained tariffs increase global price volatility, reduce GDP growth by up to 0.5 % annually, and exacerbate carbon emissions through longer supply chains. Empirical studies link trade‑policy rigidity to reduced resilience against climate shocks, highlighting the need for evidence‑based policy adjustments. Rigorous data analysis can guide more adaptive and equitable trade frameworks.
The Trump‑era trade war is less a singular political episode than a manifestation of longstanding neoliberal mechanisms that lock in tariff regimes, marginalize vulnerable populations, and ignore Indigenous stewardship.
Historical parallels and cross‑cultural analyses reveal that such policies perpetuate colonial extraction patterns, while scientific evidence shows their detrimental economic and environmental impacts. By integrating Indigenous consent, modernizing multilateral institutions, and building resilient, fair‑trade supply chains, actors—from governments to corporations—can dismantle the lock‑in and foster a more equitable, climate‑compatible global economy. This systemic shift requires coordinated action, transparent governance, and the inclusion of voices traditionally silenced by market‑centric narratives.