Reciprocal tariffs are a key tool in U.S. trade policy, intended to address uneven trade relationships with other countries. The White House uses a method centered on trade deficits to set these tariffs, aiming to balance the flow of goods between the U.S. and its trading partners. This article objectively explains the process in plain terms, detailing how these tariffs are determined and what drives the calculations.
Economic downturns take different shapes and have wide-ranging effects on countries, businesses, and households. Among the most commonly discussed types of downturns are stagflation, recession, and depression. Each describes a different set of conditions, and each may result from different causes—one of which can be trade wars. When nations impose tariffs or other trade restrictions on one another, the effects can ripple through the global economy and influence these broader economic patterns.
Trade wars are conflicts between nations driven by economic disagreements, usually involving tariffs, sanctions, or other barriers to trade. While most trade disputes remain confined to economic and diplomatic channels, there are rare occasions when they tip over into military action. The shift from economic rivalry to armed conflict doesn’t happen overnight. It builds over time through a mix of strategic miscalculations, heightened nationalism, and perceptions of existential threat.
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 10% tariff on all imports into the United States, with higher rates for certain countries: 20% on the European Union, 24% on Japan, 34% on China, and 46% on Vietnam. The administration asserts that these tariffs aim to bolster American manufacturing and address trade imbalances.
The Tariff Act of 1930, commonly referred to as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, was a piece of trade legislation enacted during a period of economic instability in the United States. Passed during the early months of the Great Depression, the law raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods. Though it was intended to protect domestic industries and agricultural producers from foreign competition, its broader consequences extended far beyond U.S. borders.
Tariffs have long been a tool used by governments to influence trade. Whether to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, or respond to trade imbalances, tariffs often carry consequences—intended and unintended. Examining historical data provides insight into how these measures have affected the economies of countries that imposed them.
The space economy, a vast network of industries tied to space exploration, satellite technology, and commercial ventures beyond Earth, has grown in recent years. Private companies, government agencies, and international partnerships now drive a sector valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Yet, as this field expands, so does the spread of disinformation—false or misleading information that can distort public understanding, influence policy, and affect investment. This article examines the nature of disinformation in the space economy, its sources, its effects, and the efforts to address it.
An act of war is a complex concept that encompasses various actions and behaviors between nations. While traditionally associated with military operations, the definition has evolved to include other forms of aggression and hostility. This article examines different factors that can constitute an act of war and explores the nuances of international relations in times of conflict.
In times of economic uncertainty, certain currencies stand out as reliable options for investors and governments. Known as safe haven currencies, these assets tend to hold or gain value when global markets face instability. This article explains what safe haven currencies are, why they matter, their value to a country, the impact when they lose that status, and how they’re performing as of March 18, 2025, amid the ongoing tariff war.
When a country faces a tariff war, it has a range of policy tools to mitigate economic harm and counteract the impact on its industries. Governments must balance short-term responses with long-term strategies to ensure economic stability while protecting domestic businesses and consumers. This article outlines the key mechanisms available.
