Trump’s Trade War Against China: Geopolitics or Macroeconomics by Other Means?

Frustrated by the United States’ persistent trade deficit and the deindustrialisation of its economy, the Trump administration seeks to radically reshape America’s position within the global macroeconomic order. It pursues this goal through tariffs and pressure campaigns targeting net-exporting countries. The tariffs are applied broadly, also hitting traditional US allies like South Korea and Japan, yet China—America’s foremost strategic rival—is disproportionately targeted.

How should we interpret the recent escalation of the US-Chinese trade war? Is it primarily a geopolitical manoeuvre aimed at reasserting the United States as an industrial power? Or are the tariffs fundamentally part of a macroeconomic approach, with geopolitical consequences that are secondary, perhaps unintended, and damaging to America’s alliance network in East Asia? Will South Korea and Japan turn closer to China?

Featured participants:

• Yan Xuetong, Director of The Institute of International Studies, Tsinghua University
• Eric Hendriks, Sociologist, Visiting Fellow, Danube Institute
• Nathan Levine, Analyst & Consultant, Visiting Fellow, Danube Institute

Details:
Date: May 9, 2025
Venue: Lónyay-Hatvany Villa, 1 Csónak Street, 1015 Budapest
(Entrance: Aranybástya Restaurant)
Language: English

Participation is free; however, due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. We reserve the right to modify the program.