Trump’s reshaping of international relations – threats, tariffs, and unpredictability
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a candid Jan. 28 interview, Dr. Gilbert Gagné, a professor of international relations at Bishop’s University, shared his expert analysis of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unconventional approach to global diplomacy. From protectionist tariffs to his zero-sum worldview, Trump’s strategies have left a lasting impact on international relations, creating ripple effects that challenge established norms and alliances.
A historical lens on tariffs
Dr. Gagné began by discussing the historical role of tariffs, emphasizing their dual purpose as both a revenue source and a protectionist measure. While tariffs were historically one minor way governments generated income, their primary function evolved with industrialization. “When trade and industrialization started, the idea of raising tariffs was not just about revenue but about protecting domestic markets and enabling industrial growth,” Gagné explained. He noted that tariffs provided governments with a means to foster economic development while shielding their economies from foreign competition.
This protectionist approach began to wane post-World War II when the United States championed a liberal economic order, gradually reducing tariffs through initiatives like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The focus shifted from economic shielding to trade liberalization.
While tariffs have largely receded from global trade policy in recent decades, Trump’s presidency brought them back to the forefront. His administration’s aggressive use of tariffs, such as those imposed on Chinese goods, reflects a deliberate shift away from cooperative multilateralism. Trump framed tariffs as both an economic and geopolitical tool, leveraging them to extract concessions and assert U.S. dominance in trade relationships.
America First: A zero-sum approach
Dr. Gagné emphasized Trump’s “America First” doctrine, describing it as “a ruthless business approach that goes contrary to long-held diplomatic practices.” Unlike traditional diplomatic norms where mutual benefit is sought, Trump views international relations as a zero-sum game, aiming to maximize U.S. gains at the expense of others. “For Trump, two sides cannot benefit equally; one must gain more than the other,” Gagné observed.
This doctrine has had profound implications for global alliances and trade. Trump’s renegotiation in his first term of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) showcased his prioritization of U.S. interests. Canada’s supply management system, particularly in dairy and eggs, became a contentious issue during negotiations, with Canada making concessions under U.S. pressure. According to Dr. Gagné, Trump’s approach disrupted decades of cooperation in North America, fostering uncertainty among key allies.