The Trouble With Tariffs

In this episode of Global Tantrum!, Steve and Galen welcome Assistant Professor Ryan Weldzius of Villanova to discuss the Trump Administration’s tariff plans. But before they do that, they have very little choice but to talk about Signalgate — a pure Global Tantrum! topic if ever there was one. After analyzing that dangerous piece of foolishness, they turn back to international political economy to explore how these tariffs are affecting international trade, inflation, the US dollar as a reserve currency, and the potential for reindustrialization in America. Throughout, they highlight the disconnect between the administration's policies and their stated goals, and consider potential paths forward amidst rising uncertainty.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

02:39 Signal App Scandal

09:53 Impact of Tariffs on Consumers

19:53 Reciprocity and Reindustrialization

28:04 The Rise of Neoliberalism in the US

31:08 Trump and Sanders: Challenging Neoliberalism

40:19 Uncertainty in Trade Policy and Its Consequences

45:35 The Future of the US Dollar as a Reserve Currency

49:42 The Political and Economic Outlook