Now why would they not want the tarrifs to work
Instead, with the exception of China and a few scattered reprisals from allies, we’re seeing mainly cautious reactions.
But these experts argued that there are compelling reasons many governments are not acting fast or in unison — not the least of which is that the world’s countries are not good at collective action, and many believe they have a better shot at accomplishing more, for themselves at least, if they avoid escalating the fight with Trump.
But what if the infliction of pain comes from a coalition of countries — governments banding together to strategically hit the U.S. economy? Would that make Trump think twice?
It’s a nice theory, but not very realistic, I was told. Governments simply don’t easily come together to unite in action, even when they are faced with a common threat.
Each government has its own national interest and doesn’t trust others won’t stab them in the back, said one foreign diplomat, who likened it to the classic “prisoner’s dilemma.
So they’re also looking for ways to negotiate a better deal than others.
I can’t be the last one to reach a deal with Trump, because if I’m the last one, then I’m the one who’s going to get screwed,” the foreign diplomat said. Like others, the diplomat was granted anonymity to be candid about a sensitive issue. “If I’m the first one to reach the deal, then it might be the most advantageous possible thing, and compared to other countries, I’ll be better off. And so my trade will suffer relatively less.”
Why Trump May Get Away With His Tariff Trauma
I expected a number of affected governments to rapidly and collectively fight back.Instead, with the exception of China and a few scattered reprisals from allies, we’re seeing mainly cautious reactions.
But these experts argued that there are compelling reasons many governments are not acting fast or in unison — not the least of which is that the world’s countries are not good at collective action, and many believe they have a better shot at accomplishing more, for themselves at least, if they avoid escalating the fight with Trump.
But what if the infliction of pain comes from a coalition of countries — governments banding together to strategically hit the U.S. economy? Would that make Trump think twice?
It’s a nice theory, but not very realistic, I was told. Governments simply don’t easily come together to unite in action, even when they are faced with a common threat.
Each government has its own national interest and doesn’t trust others won’t stab them in the back, said one foreign diplomat, who likened it to the classic “prisoner’s dilemma.
So they’re also looking for ways to negotiate a better deal than others.
I can’t be the last one to reach a deal with Trump, because if I’m the last one, then I’m the one who’s going to get screwed,” the foreign diplomat said. Like others, the diplomat was granted anonymity to be candid about a sensitive issue. “If I’m the first one to reach the deal, then it might be the most advantageous possible thing, and compared to other countries, I’ll be better off. And so my trade will suffer relatively less.”
