Tariffs are dominating the news cycle worldwide. But what are they, exactly? How do they work, and why is it important to understand them?
In 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration took an unprecedented step, imposing sweeping tariffs on imports from some of the world’s largest trading partners, from Canada and the European Union to China and even the most remote, uninhabited corners of the earth. These tariffs, ranging from blanket 10% duties to targeted hikes on specific industries, have redefined the landscape of global trade and set the stage for a new era of economic confrontation.
J.E. Fowlers, best-selling author of Democracy at Risk, explores the long history and powerful forces behind this dramatic shift, revealing the profound impact tariffs will have on our lives like never before. He dives into the 2025 tariffs, unpacking how these new trade measures are not just about economics—they are a tool of political power. From the strategic decisions in the White House to the global maneuvering by multinational corporations, this book offers an eye-opening look at how tariffs are used to shape national policy, influence foreign relations, and control the flow of global commerce.
But the 2025 tariffs aren’t just a reaction to today’s issues—they are part of a long history of protectionist policies that have shaped global trade for centuries. Fowlers traces the evolution of tariffs from the ancient world to the industrial era, through to the rise of economic powerhouses like the U.S. and China. He examines key moments in history, such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, the Cold War-era trade policies, and the modern push toward globalization, showing how these past policies laid the groundwork for the current tariff landscape.
In this critical moment, tariffs have taken center stage as a driving force of economic strategy, affecting everything from manufacturing to the cost of consumer goods. With the 2025 tariffs acting as a focal point, Fowlers explores how they’ve reignited debates on trade wars, protectionism, and economic nationalism. These tariffs will change the prices we pay for everyday items, disrupt supply chains, and alter global power dynamics in ways we are only beginning to understand.
From the impact on consumers facing price hikes on everything from food to electronics, to the consequences for countries in the Global South whose economies depend on exports to the U.S., Tariffs provides a comprehensive, inside look at the stakes involved.
As tariffs become a fixture in the world’s economic landscape, understanding who controls them and how they shape our future has never been more important. Tariffs: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They’re Important is essential reading for understanding the complexities of modern trade policy—and the sweeping changes Trump’s tariffs will bring to every aspect of global commerce.
