, Columnist
Trump’s Trade Wars Expose an Abiding Truth
Free trade turns out to be something that helps a rising great power, until it doesn’t.
Get ready to reverse course.
Photographer: Peter Foley/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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As the year ends, a partial and brief ceasefire seems imminent in Donald Trump’s trade war on the world. The United States and China may sign a deal as early as next month. But make no mistake: The protectionist impulse behind the trade war remains as ineradicable as ever.
Nor should it be forgotten that economic nationalism has guided the destiny of all major nations since the 19th century.