Douglas Irwin

Join Simon Rabinovitch, US economics editor for The Economist, and Douglas Irwin, economics professor at Dartmouth, as they dissect Donald Trump's sweeping tariff changes. They delve into the chaotic decision-making behind these trade policies and their historical context, drawing parallels to past protectionist measures like the Smoot-Hawley Act. Expect insights into the implications for global supply chains, consumer costs, and potential backlash in the face of rising economic challenges. It's a lively and provocative discussion on the future of American trade.

Douglas Irwin, an esteemed economist and historian from Dartmouth, delves into the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff and its catastrophic role in deepening the Great Depression. He discusses how this 1930 legislation, intended to protect American farmers, backfired spectacularly, illustrating the pitfalls of misguided protectionism. Irwin reflects on Herbert Hoover’s struggle between party loyalty and economic reality, the tariff's international repercussions, and the complex legacy it left that still resonates in today's economic debates.

Douglas Irwin, a Dartmouth professor and author of 'Clashing Over Commerce,' dives into 250 years of U.S. trade policy. He highlights the flawed logic behind the Tariff Act of 1930, revealing alarming parallels to today's political thinking. Irwin also shares insights on 'tariff engineering,' explaining how Honda cleverly circumvented high tariffs. The conversation spans key historical events, from the Great Depression to Reagan's contradictory policies, shedding light on the intricate and often contentious nature of American trade dynamics.