Trump, American Federalism, and the Geopolitics of Tariffs
The article explores how modern geopolitics has shifted from traditional territorial defense to economic warfare through tariffs and trade restrictions. It highlights the constitutional controversy in the U.S. regarding presidential authority over trade policy and its global impact.
Why it matters
It explains the transition of global trade from a cooperative engine to a tool of geopolitical power and national security.
“ 25 U.S. states decided to go to court to challenge the legal authority used by the president to unilaterally modify U.S. trade policy…”
“ For centuries, empires built walls to protect their borders.”
“ In the twenty-first century, the new walls are no longer always made of stone. They can also be built through tariffs, economic sanctions, and technological restrictions.”
“ When trade becomes an instrument of power, economics ceases to be merely economics and begins to become geopolitics.”
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