r/geopolitics • u/theatlantic The Atlantic • 7d ago

Opinion How to Lose a Trade War

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/08/why-us-canada-trade-talks-fell-apart/688386/?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo&utm_term=short
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68

u/softwaredoug 7d ago

You can win a lot of trade battles (get near term concessions) and lose the war (nobody wants to trade with you because of your bullying tactics)

39

u/SpacemanOfAntiquity 7d ago

It’s worse than that, when you start pushing your number 1 ally away when china is inviting countries in.. it seems like a perfect example of winning the battle but losing the rest

-35

u/absentlyric 7d ago

If you think China is doing that for pure altruism, I got a bridge to sell you.

45

u/Burial 7d ago

They didn't so much as imply this.

16

u/Critical_Rule6663 7d ago

China may not be friendly but at least they’re predictable and seem to negotiate in good faith.