The Wright Show The Long Lineage of Trump’s Foreign Policy (Robert Wright & Jeet Heer)
Mar 19, 2025
Jeet Heer, a National correspondent at The Nation and expert in political and cultural history, dives into the intricate lineage of Trump's foreign policy. He unpacks the concept of 'autarkic imperialism' and examines the impact of Trump's tariffs. The discussion reveals the historical roots of Trumpism, tracing back through GOP ideologies and debates over isolationism versus interventionism. Heer also humorously speculates on how Canada might prepare for an American invasion, adding a light twist to a serious analysis.
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Autarkic Imperialism
- Trump's foreign policy can be described as "autarkic imperialism."
- He aims for US self-sufficiency combined with territorial expansion.
Tariffs and Expansion
- Trump's high tariffs and desire to annex territories like Canada and Greenland are connected.
- Cutting off trade flows encourages securing resources through direct control.
Tariff Strategy
- Trump's high tariffs might be a strategy to weaken the dollar.
- This could increase demand for American products and reduce demand for foreign ones.