In an era when free trade is under threat, how can we uphold the principles of free trade and ensure economic security? Suzuki Kazuto unravels the dilemma between the two. Suzuki Kazuto, Professor, Tokyo University Graduate School of Public Policy, Director, the Institute of Geoeconomics, the International House of Japan The “weaponization” of the economy and the rise of economic security Free trade is in crisis. The Trump administration’s tariff policy aims to rebuild trade by placing “fairness and balance” above economic efficiency. For the United States, this means that a growing trade deficit through free trade is “unfair,” and rebalancing is important. Therefore, the US uses tariffs to reduce imports from other countries. If imports are required, the revenue generated from tariffs can be used to recover lost wealth. Whether this policy will produce the results President Trump claims and what impact it ... ... [Read more]