Malaysia in a mercantilist world order


  • Letters
  • Wednesday, 05 Feb 2025

WHEN President Donald Trump announced his tariffs on Saturday, international media was noticeably slow in explaining the motives and implications. Even in Trump’s first term, analyses of the causes and consequences of an American protectionist policy were few and far between. Indeed, the world had not known American protectionism for nearly a century.

Since 1945, America's principles of freedom and the rule of law had led to the creation of the Bretton-Woods System, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, World Trade Organisation, and the European Economic Community. These in turn provided the model for market liberalism upon the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and laid the foundation for the global interdependent economy we know today.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Letters

Embracing diversity: No need for guidelines on Muslim participation in non-Muslim events
Cabinet's rejection of restrictive Jakim guidelines was the right move
Humanity’s voice must not be disregarded
Modern facade, Third World in substance
To board or not to board?
Balancing innovation and responsibility in AI
Compulsory EPF contributions for foreign workers: A lose-lose situation for employers and foreign workers
Perils of government policy flip-flops
Thank you, Malaysia
Why a slight tariff hike is necessary

Others Also Read