This chapter analyzes the shift in U.S. trade policy culminating in President Trump’s 2025 “Liberation Day” announcement— sweeping reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries.
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Future_of_Foreign_Trade_082525_0-1.pdf
The Future of Foreign Trade Author: Elhanan Helpman (Harvard)2020_Trade_Policy_Agenda_and_2019_Annual_Report.pdf
USTR 2020 Annual Report & 2020 Trade Policy AgendaFuture_of_Foreign_Trade_082525_0.pdf
The Future of Foreign Trade Author: Elhanan Helpman (Harvard)The Library of Congress provides curated resource lists and links to U.S. government reports, academic research, and historical trade documents, specifically focused on U.S.–China trade history and policy. This is ideal for participants who want a structured research starting point rather than aimless searching.
Library of Congress Guides – U.S. Trade with China & Related ResourcesA user-friendly compilation of WTO statistical indicators including tariffs, non-tariff measures, trade volumes, and dispute settlement outcomes. Participants can explore trends in global trade and tariff burdens—great for visual or quantitative background.
WTO Statistics Portal – Trade & Tariff IndicatorsProvides full text of WTO and GATT legal instruments, panel reports, Appellate Body decisions, and arbitration awards. Non-experts can access foundational trade law without paywalls, which helps understand legal constraints on tariff actions and WTO dispute settlement.
GWU Law Library — WTO/GATT ResourcesThe Library of Congress provides curated resource lists and links to U.S. government reports, academic research, and historical trade documents, specifically focused on U.S.–China trade history and policy. This is ideal for participants who want a structured research starting point rather than aimless searching.
U.S. Trade with China: Selected Resourceshis online database allows users to explore detailed trade statistics (exports, imports, tariffs, non-tariff measures) by country and product. Users can generate custom data, e.g., U.S.–China trade flows or tariff scenarios—very useful for participants who like data exploration.
World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) – World Bank Trade DatabaseAn accessible official American government assessment of China’s compliance with WTO rules and U.S. concerns about non-market practices. It situates tariff policy in the broader rule-based versus state-led economic competition debate central to Topic 2.
USTR Report on China’s WTO Compliance (Official USTR PDF)CRS reports are authoritative, non-partisan, and written for general audiences. The report on U.S.–China trade relations explains tariffs applied under Section 301 and Section 232, trade balances, and structural issues—core background for this topic.
U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports on U.S.–China TradeThough not a traditional library, OEC makes global trade data and visualizations accessible and intuitive. Participants can quickly grasp what goods are traded, partner relationships, and relative tariff burdens—useful before and during discussions.
The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC)This site aggregates commentary, explainers, and research briefs on trade policy topics, including tariffs, protectionism, industrial policy, WTO disputes, and U.S. trade strategy. It’s intentionally aimed at broad audiences, so participants can read expert pieces without academic barriers.
Trade Policy Archives – World Trade Institute/International Trade Resources
Great Decisions 2026 – Future of the World Economy – Dr. Mark Duckenfield
Group video: U.S. Army War CollegeAnna Miromanova, Assistant Professor, Economics, Lewis & Clark College
Group Video: Tariffs & the Future of the Global Economy (WorldOregon)Michael Mastanduno was a Professor and, from 2010-2017, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Dartmouth College. He recently authored a chapter on tariffs and the future of the world economy for the 2026 Great Decisions Briefing Book
Group Video: Tariffs and the Global Economy – World OregonPablo Toral is a professor of Environmental Studies and International Relations at Beloit College, where he currently chairs the programs in Environmental Studies and International Relations, as well as the Department of Political Science.
Group Video: Tariffs & the Future of the World Economy (Fond du Lac Public Library)Pablo Toral, PhD, Beloit College.
Group Video: Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy – Minitowoc Public LibraryWhat is the rationale behind this radical shift?
Group Video: Tariffs and the Future of The World Economy (Wood County Committee on Aging)This week's topic—"Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy," presented by Pablo Toral, PhD, Beloit College.
Great Decisions – Manitowoc Public LibraryAnna Miromanova, Assistant Professor, Economics, Lewis & Clark College
Great Decisions – World OregonA comprehensive, journalism-driven documentary on the origins and stakes of the U.S.–China trade war and tariff escalation. It provides historical context and on-the-ground reporting that make complex policy accessible.
FRONTLINE: Trump’s Trade WarVisual explainer on rising trade tensions, tariffs, and global economic impacts — a good primer before deeper discussions.
Let the Trade Wars BeginConcise overview of the trade war dynamics, tariff tit-for-tat actions, and economic consequences — ideal for participants new to the topic.
US–China Trade War Explained (TRT World)A global perspective on tariff escalation, retaliation, and geopolitical implications; includes expert commentary and broad audience framing.
The Economist: America v China Trade WarA structured discussion of tariff escalation, negotiation phases, and evolving policy choices — useful for discussing how trade policy unfolds over time.
US–China Trade War Explained: Tariffs, Talks & Turning PointsAnother Al Jazeera piece with detail on early trade conflict stages and expert voices — good for contrasting perspectives.
US–China Trade War: A Look at the Trade ConflictExpert commentary on leverage, retaliation, and strategic dimensions of U.S.–China economic competition — useful for deeper discussion.
Why China Is Gaining the Upper Hand in Trump’s Trade WarA more general documentary on global trade, globalization backlash, and fairness — great for grounding participants in broader trade history and context.
DW Documentary: The Deceptive Promise of Free TradeTrump's trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What is the rationale behind this radical shift?
Group video: Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc.
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