American Prestige Bonus - Trump, Xi Jinping, and Tariffs w/ Andy Liu (Preview)
Apr 6, 2025
In this discussion, Andy Liu, a history professor at Villanova and author of 'T-War,' dives into the intricate trade dynamics between the U.S. and China, influenced heavily by Trump and Xi Jinping. They analyze Trump's historical dealings with Japan in the 80s, shedding light on how these experiences shaped his current tariff strategies. The conversation also unpacks Xi's rise from a privileged background during Deng Xiaoping's reforms. Liu highlights the shift in China's economy towards high-end products and critiques the current U.S. administration's communication with Beijing.
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Trump's Consistent Trade Views
- Andy Liu uses a clip of Trump on Oprah to illustrate Trump's consistent views on trade.
- Trump's rhetoric on Japan in the 80s mirrors his later rhetoric on China.
Japan's Rise and US Reactions
- Japan's economic rise in the 70s and 80s, particularly in the auto industry, sparked both admiration and fear in the US.
- This period foreshadowed later debates about globalization's impact on American workers and industries.
Japanese Cars and US De-industrialization
- The rise of Japanese car production coincided with de-industrialization in the US, raising concerns about globalization's impact.
- Japanese companies' ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands, exemplified by fuel-efficient cars, became a metaphor for US economic stagnation.
