Frank Trentmann

Frank Trentmann, a Professor of History at Birkbeck University, dives into the fascinating world of tariffs and trade wars. He explores the historical roots of economic warfare, revealing how these practices have shaped international relations. Trentmann discusses the evolution of trade dynamics, from the mid-Victorian era to today, and contrasts past protectionist strategies with modern approaches. He also unpacks the significance of U.S.-Canada trade relations and the impact of social movements on trade policies, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these topics.

Historian Frank Trentmann, author of "Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022," explores Germany's remarkable transformation from postwar devastation to economic powerhouse. He discusses the nation's grappling with its Nazi past and the Cold War's impact on identity. The conversation also touches on the moral dilemmas during the 2015 refugee crisis and the complex ties between German environmentalism and cultural identity, revealing the contradictions in a country that values nature yet struggles with high emissions.