The Commentary Magazine Podcast Trump the World Tariff Traveler
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Oct 30, 2025 Donald Trump and Xi's unexpected truce raises questions about the purpose of Trump's aggressive tariff strategy. The discussion explores whether these tariffs created more problems than they solved and how they distinguish allies from China. The panel debates the implications of resuming US nuclear tests as a strategic signal to adversaries. Concerns arise over human rights discussions being sidelined in favor of trade deals, and the tension between non-interventionist views and Trump's actions is examined.
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Tariff Diplomacy As Damage Control
- Trump’s Asia tariff diplomacy looks like damage control after provoking global trade tensions.
- Success depends on Chinese follow-through, which past deals show is uncertain.
China Is The Central Foreign-Policy Focus
- Trump centers China in his foreign-policy strategy, using tariffs and industrial stakes as leverage.
- He pairs confrontation with attempts at personal diplomacy, but implementation is the weak link.
Tie Concessions To Verifiable Compliance
- Require clear, verifiable commitments before easing tariffs or export controls.
- Monitor compliance closely and tie concessions to measurable follow-through.