Reference News Network August 17 report: Canada's Globe and Mail website published an article titled "Where is the Global Boycott of Trump?" on August 11. The author is Professor Dani Rodrik from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The following are excerpts:

Those who criticize the United States would describe it as a self-serving country that takes advantage of others without regard for their well-being. However, President Donald Trump's trade policies are so erratic and counterproductive that even the most exaggerated descriptions seem like compliments. Yet, his foolish actions in trade have exposed the failures of other countries in a distorted way, forcing them to reflect on what their responses reveal about their intentions and capabilities.

It is said that adversity reveals a person's true character, and this applies to nations and their political systems as well. Trump's positive attack on the world economy has shocked everyone, but it has also given Europe, China, and various middle powers an opportunity to show who they are and what they support. This is an invitation to articulate a vision for a new world order that will eliminate imbalances, inequalities, and unsustainability of the old order, and will not depend on the leadership of any single powerful country - good or bad.

In this regard, the European Union is perhaps the most disappointing. In terms of purchasing power, it is almost as large as the United States - accounting for 14.1% of the world economy. Europe has the strength to provide global leadership. However, it hesitates and yields to Trump's demands.

In yielding to Trump, Europe is unclear whether it has even protected its immediate interests. The agreement reached in July between Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen retained the 50% tariff on European steel and aluminum products, as well as a 15% tariff on other major products. Moreover, the EU has committed to importing an absurd amount of energy from the United States. The structural weaknesses of the EU as a group of countries without a shared sense of identity have never been more evident than now.

China, on the other hand, has waged a more powerful struggle. Trump's retaliatory and counterproductive foreign policy has helped China expand its influence and enhance its credibility as a reliable partner for developing countries.

At the same time, smaller countries and middle powers have mostly adopted a quiet strategy, bargaining individually with Trump to reduce damage to their economies. However, Brazil is an exception, with President Lula becoming a rare model leader who refuses to grovel before Trump. Despite facing punitive 50% tariffs and sharp personal attacks, he proudly defended his country's sovereignty and judicial independence.

The current world is seriously lacking in leadership. In India, political commentator Pratap Bhanu Mehta points out that many business and political elites are looking for ways to accommodate Trump. But Mehta believes they are misreading Trump and the world he is creating. In any period of modern history, the actions of the Trump administration would be immediately pointed out as imperialist - straightforwardly and clearly.

Imperialism must always be challenged, not accommodated. This requires both strength and purpose. (Translated by Liu Xiaoyan)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7539489666093941289/

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