It may have been a “softer” approach but it would Have been a far cheaper, and more effective approach.
It would also have had the benefit of building alliances that centered around the US, as opposed to weakening alliances.
The tariffs have served to strengthen China’s position in the world, more than anything else. As an example, consider the fact that Germany is now allowing the Chinese to enter their market.
The reality is that when the RoW sees the US trying to strangle China economically in this fashion, they recognize that they also could be next (or, as was the case in the Trump tariffs, the European and Japanese allies were first on being hit by tariffs).
The only long term effect this is gonna have is basically to blunt American economic leadership, and the centrality of the American economy to the world.
Which may be a good thing, frankly, for the world at large, but is almost certainly not gonna be a good thing for American leadership and quality of life.
It would also have had the benefit of building alliances that centered around the US, as opposed to weakening alliances.
The tariffs have served to strengthen China’s position in the world, more than anything else. As an example, consider the fact that Germany is now allowing the Chinese to enter their market.
The reality is that when the RoW sees the US trying to strangle China economically in this fashion, they recognize that they also could be next (or, as was the case in the Trump tariffs, the European and Japanese allies were first on being hit by tariffs).
The only long term effect this is gonna have is basically to blunt American economic leadership, and the centrality of the American economy to the world.
Which may be a good thing, frankly, for the world at large, but is almost certainly not gonna be a good thing for American leadership and quality of life.