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.

Douglas Irwin, a Dartmouth economist and trade historian, discusses the unprecedented nature of Trump’s tariffs and their far-reaching impacts. He highlights how tariffs surged from 2.4% to 24% and the potential slowdown in GDP growth. The conversation dives into the challenges facing U.S. manufacturing and the de-industrialization dilemma. Irwin also explores the complex relationship with China and the necessity of strategic alliances with countries like Japan and South Korea, advocating for targeted trade strategies over broad tariffs.

Douglas Irwin, author of "Peddling Protectionism, Smoot Hawley, and the Great Depression," dives deep into the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, discussing its disastrous effects on the economy and international trade relations during the Great Depression. He emphasizes the act's role as a cautionary tale against protectionism, linking it to current political dialogues about tariffs. Irwin warns of the potential resurgence of nationalist trade policies and advocates for a more thoughtful approach to global trade, drawing crucial parallels to today’s political climate.