Ecoblogi – A Blog by Daniel Elkama

Donald Trump decided to start an absurd trade war with Mexico, Canada and China in the very first month of his presidency. He imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China. Trump plans to come against the EU as well, if the EU does not agree to buy more American products, e.g. cars. The background of Trump’s actions is arrogance and greed, which is typical for a bullier like him. Trump wants to turn the United States into an aggressive superpower like Hitler and Nazi Germany. Trump wants to defuse hostilities with allies.

The Wall Street Journal called Trump’s action ”the most stupid trade war in history”. ”. If you can’t get along with your allies, how can you counter enemies like Russia? Trump’s actions can destroy the unity, solidarity and loyalty of the West. Russia, China and a number of rogue states benefit from this. It is possible that such actions may lead to the collapse of the democratic West, like Ancient Rome, if we don’t stand together and defend our common values and the free world. Trump’s re-election was a lottery win for Putin: Putin wants to win the West, and Russia has already financed and supported the right wing of Europe and America with propaganda for a couple of decades. Trump’s  statements that he would occupy Greenland and Panama Channel, are also inspiring China to occupy Taiwan and Russia to attack new destinations.

According to the economists, the trade war is almost never useful. Trump is like sawing his own branch when causing trade war. Free trade has brought the European Union to the top of the economic world in particular. Free trade is usually a win-win situation, from which all parties benefit. This is one of the most important drivers of economic growth. What protectionism and mercantilism led in the past was mainly a fight between the big powers of the time. Even in the 18th century, Adam Smith and Anders Chydenius perceived that high tariffs and protectionism were an obstacle to economic growth and all good trade.

Trump admires US President William McKinley, who was known for protectionism and imperialism. During McKinley’s presidency, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, Cuba, and Hawaii were incorporated into the United States. This ”Golden Age of America” refers to MAGA, the imaginary golden age that has never exist. The far-right has always been talking about the ”golden past” and Trump has threatened to expand the U.S. territories and take over Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal. However, Europe and Canada will never accept this.

Daniel Elkama