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The Political Logic of the US-China Trade War: A Comprehensive Guide

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The Political Logic of the US–China Trade War

by Manuel Pastor

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3246 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	291 pages

The US-China trade war, a conflict that has reverberated through the global economy, was not merely a battle over tariffs and trade policy. At its heart lay a complex interplay of political motivations, strategic calculations, and geopolitical ambitions.

The Escalating Conflict

The seeds of the trade war were sown with the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration in early 2018, targeting Chinese goods worth billions of dollars. The stated goal was to address concerns over intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices, and a growing trade deficit.

China retaliated with its own tariffs, escalating the conflict and setting the stage for a prolonged economic battle. Both sides imposed tariffs on a wide range of products, from soybeans to semiconductors, disrupting global supply chains and raising prices for consumers.

Political Motivations

Beyond economic concerns, the trade war was deeply intertwined with domestic politics in both countries.

US: President Trump sought to fulfill campaign promises to bring jobs back to the United States and reduce the trade deficit with China. The trade war became a rallying point for his supporters, who saw it as a way to protect American industries and workers.
China: The Chinese government viewed the trade war as an attempt to contain China's economic rise and undermine its global influence. It framed the conflict as an attack on its sovereignty and sought to project an image of strength and resilience.

Strategic Calculations

Both countries also employed strategic calculations to advance their interests.

US: The Trump administration aimed to use the trade war as leverage to force China to make concessions on trade, intellectual property protection, and other issues. It hoped to extract a favorable deal that would benefit American companies and workers.
China: China sought to minimize the impact of the tariffs while also avoiding a direct confrontation with the United States. It implemented measures to support its domestic industries, diversified its export markets, and tried to maintain its economic growth.

Geopolitical Ambitions

The trade war also had geopolitical implications.

US: The Trump administration saw the conflict as a way to assert American dominance in the global economy and reduce China's growing economic and technological influence. It sought to create a more level playing field for American businesses.
China: China viewed the trade war as an attempt to curtail its rise and preserve the existing global Free Download. It sought to strengthen its ties with other countries and promote its own economic model.

Consequences and Impact

The US-China trade war had significant consequences for both countries and the global economy.

Economic Costs: The tariffs imposed by both sides disrupted global trade flows, raised prices for consumers and businesses, and slowed economic growth.
Political Tensions: The conflict escalated political tensions between the United States and China, straining diplomatic relations and raising concerns about a potential military confrontation.
Global Uncertainty: The trade war created uncertainty in the global economy, deterring investment and dampening economic activity.

The US-China trade war was a complex and multifaceted event, driven by a combination of political motivations, strategic calculations, and geopolitical ambitions. It had significant consequences for both countries and the global economy, highlighting the interconnected nature of the global economic system and the importance of cooperation and dialogue in resolving trade disputes.

To fully understand the political logic behind the US-China trade war, Free Download the book "The Political Logic of the US-China Trade War", a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal economic conflict.

The Political Logic of the US–China Trade War

by Manuel Pastor

5 out of 5