President Trump’s 2025 Tariff Policy Trigger World War III
President Trump’s 2025 Tariff Policy Trigger World War III
The Collapse of Nuclear Deterrence and a Divided World
Introduction: The Day History Changed in 2025
In April 2025, then-U.S. President Donald Trump announced a shocking new tariff policy and enforced it immediately. Under this executive order, tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles were raised to 100%, semiconductor-related products to 60%, and European Union automobiles to 50%. Reminiscent of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s, this policy dealt an instant and serious blow to the modern global economy, plunging the world into a new era of trade wars.
Chapter 1: Immediate Effects of the 2025 Tariff Policy
Unprecedented Immediate Enforcement
Unlike previous policies, the Trump administration offered no grace period, enacting the tariffs instantly and showcasing a hardline stance that ignored international backlash.
Market Panic
On the day of the announcement, global stock markets plunged.
The Trump Administration’s Intentions
Trump stated that “the disruption of global supply chains is irrelevant,” clearly prioritizing the revival of domestic manufacturing over international economic cooperation.
Chapter 2: The New Reality of Failing Nuclear Deterrence
Lessons from the War in Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 revealed a new reality: even if a nuclear-armed state engages in territorial aggression, nuclear weapons may not be used.
The Breakdown of the Nuclear Taboo
With countries like North Korea, Pakistan, and Israel advancing the development of small, tactical nuclear weapons, the concept of “usable nuclear weapons” is spreading. The deterrent effect of nuclear arms is rapidly diminishing.
From Trade War to Hot War
As economic tensions escalate and nuclear deterrence weakens, the barriers to military conflict have lowered significantly, increasing the risk of a Third World War.
Chapter 3: A Fragmenting Global Supply Chain
Rapid Corporate Response
Multinational corporations like Apple, Tesla, and Samsung held emergency meetings within hours of the announcement, forced to urgently restructure their supply chains.
Formation of Economic Blocs
In response, China declared a “New Economic Order,” forming its own trading bloc with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The world is becoming increasingly divided between the Western bloc and the Sino-Russian bloc.
Direct Impact on Daily Life
Prices for major products like cars, electronics, and pharmaceuticals have skyrocketed. Consumer prices rose by over 10% in just a few weeks, sparking protest movements worldwide.
Chapter 4: Dangerous Parallels with the 1930s
Chain Reaction of Protectionism
Countries like the EU, India, and Brazil announced retaliatory tariffs, triggering a chain reaction of protectionism much like in the 1930s.
Political Polarization
Hardliners are rising to power in many countries. The far-right is gaining ground in France, while the far-left surges in Germany, pushing moderate politicians into a corner.
Rising Military Tensions
Signs of military clashes are emerging in hotspots like the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and eastern Ukraine. The risk of accidental incidents escalating into full-scale war is increasing.
Conclusion: What We Can Do
The crisis that began in April 2025 is not merely a trade issue. It is a sign of the collapse of the international order itself. At the citizen level, here are actions we can take:
- Strengthen local economies (promote local production and consumption)
- Resist political polarization (maintain calm and rational discourse)
- Be wary of narratives that justify war
- Maintain international human-to-human connections
They say history repeats itself, but we possess the wisdom to learn from the mistakes of the 1930s. Overcoming this crisis will require not only leadership from world governments but also the resolve of each individual citizen.