Dr. Jack Rasmus, a political economics professor and author, offers a compelling analysis of Trump's economic strategies, revealing how they could destabilize the U.S. amidst rising global powers. He discusses the repercussions of the trade war with China and the national debt, emphasizing the need for fiscal restructuring. Rasmus also highlights the unsettling influence of billionaires on democracy and the worrying rise of legal troubles for government officials. Lastly, he examines the BRICS nations' growing economic clout and the possible decline of U.S. dominance.
Trump's economic strategy focuses on tariffs to undermine China's technology growth, risking a significant economic crisis in the U.S.
The expansion of BRICS and alternative currencies threatens the U.S. dollar's dominance, potentially destabilizing the American financial system.
Deep dives
Trump's Economic Strategy and Global Implications
Trump's economic strategy primarily leverages tariffs as a tool to exert pressure on international rivals, specifically targeting China to hinder its technological advancements. This approach has led to a trade war, attempting to recapture U.S. financial supremacy but has not produced the expected results, as China continued to advance in critical technologies like AI and 5G. Analysts anticipate that this aggressive stance may ultimately contribute to a significant economic crisis as unsustainable trade policies clash with a declining industrial base in the U.S. Consequently, Trump's weaponization of finance and trade poses long-term risks to the American economy while jeopardizing its position in the global marketplace.
The Role of Tariffs in Revenue Generation
The use of tariffs is not merely aimed at balancing trade deficits but is strategically intended to generate revenue to offset large tax cuts and budget deficits. Despite producing some tariff revenues, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable, as the ongoing budget shortfall continues to escalate, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability. The Congressional Budget Office predicts a substantial national debt increase due to recent tax policies, further fueling economic instability in the long run. Trump’s reliance on tariffs as a revenue tool is deemed insufficient to counteract the looming fiscal crisis, potentially leading to cuts in essential government programs.
Neoliberalism and Restructuring Economic Policies
The discussion highlights a historic pattern of economic restructuring in response to fiscal crises, with the current era viewed as the beginning of a fourth restructuring phase following the neoliberal policies established in the late 20th century. This restructuring is marked by significant tensions between government entities and state bureaucracy, resulting from decades of accumulated financial practices that favor wealthy elites over the needs of average citizens. Neoliberal strategies initially restored U.S. global hegemony, but recent years have revealed their limitations and led to economic stagnation, compelling calls for a reassessment of fiscal and monetary policies. The overarching need for structural changes within the American economic system is emphasized to address underlying disparities exacerbated by present-day practices.
The Rise of BRICS and Changing Global Dynamics
The expansion of BRICS poses a serious challenge to U.S. economic dominance, as countries within this alliance seek alternatives to traditional financial systems that rely heavily on the U.S. dollar. Sanctions imposed on countries like Russia have backfired, inadvertently accelerating the development of new economic frameworks that bypass U.S. influence. With established trade relationships forming in alternative currencies, the potential decline of the dollar as a global reserve currency could destabilize the U.S. financial system, leading to increased costs for borrowing and decreased investment appeal. As nations grow increasingly self-reliant, the ramifications of a diminishing dollar could reshape international commerce significantly, highlighting the urgent need to reevaluate U.S. foreign economic policies.
Dr. Jack Rasmus is a professor of political economics at St. Mary’s College in California. Prior to teaching, he spent 18 years as an economic analyst for several global corporations and an organizer, negotiator and business representative for several labor unions. At one time he was elected as the National First Vice President of the National Writers Union. In addition to his economic profession, Dr. Rasmus is a playwright and author of fictional works dealing with social struggles, and the owner of Kyklos Productions. His journalist writing appears in various economic, political and labor magazines, including the European Financial Review, World Financial Review, Z Magazine and others. He is the author of many books, most recent being “The Scourge of Neoliberalism: US Economic Policy from Reagan to Trump” and “Alexander Hamilton and the Origins of the Fed”. Jack also hosts a radio program “Alternative Visions” on the Progressive Radio Network every Friday at 2 pm Eastern time. His website is JackRasmus.com
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