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>> How long would it take a "unified bloc" to agree on doing anything? This is why most of the time the US does things unilaterally. Whether its militarily, ec
by at-fates-hands 8y ago
>> How long would it take a "unified bloc" to agree on doing anything?
This is why most of the time the US does things unilaterally. Whether its militarily, economically or otherwise. We ask other countries if they want to stop China from laying huge tariffs on their products and they say, "Yes, for sure!" Then we say, "Okay, let's all impose tariffs on their imports and fight back!" and suddenly all those countries who were on board to do something suddenly get cold feet and don't want to get sucked into a trade war or deal with the short term consequences of standing up to them.
Also, these trade wars with China have been off and on since the 1970's if not earlier.
- cbnotfromthere 8y ago<quote>Also, these trade wars with China have been off and on since the 1970's if not earlier.</quote> You're obviously confusing between the trade wars with Japan and the trade wars with China.
- ajross 8y ago> suddenly all those countries [...] get cold feet Seems like this is asking for a citation. That kind of rhetoric works for all purposes (surely EU trade negotiators have been similarly annoyed by US inaction on other issues, for example). If you have something specific to complain about, this is the place to do it.
- graeme 8y agoCould you name a specific instance of asking other countries to impose tariffs on China? I'm in Canada, and can't recall the US ever asking. Further, the US keeps one foot out of international tools like the WTO or the UN law of the sea, neutering the very mechanisms with which the rest of the world could coordinate action.