Chat with AIExam 3: Wealth and Power: the Mercantilist Perspective
Balaam and Dillman argue that Trump is not a "genuine" neomercantilist, even though he supports significant trade protectionism and increased military spending. What beliefs and policies of President Trump appear to be inconsistent with the mercantilist perspective? Include references to his actions toward the U.S. state apparatus, ways in which his policies clearly favor partisan or class interests rather than the national interest, and ways in which his foreign policies might be harming U.S. national security.
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Answered by Examlex AI CopilotBalaam and Dillman argue that Trump is not a "genuine" neomercantilist because some of his beliefs and policies appear to be inconsistent with the mercantilist perspective. While Trump does support significant trade protectionism and increased military spending, there are several aspects of his presidency that deviate from traditional mercantilist principles.
First, Trump's actions towards the U.S. state apparatus have been inconsistent with the mercantilist perspective. Mercantilism typically involves a strong central government that actively intervenes in the economy to promote national interests. However, Trump's presidency has been marked by a lack of cohesion and stability within the state apparatus, with high turnover rates among key officials and a lack of consistent policy direction.
Second, Trump's policies have often favored partisan or class interests rather than the national interest. For example, his tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy and corporations, rather than promoting broad-based economic growth. Additionally, his administration's efforts to roll back environmental regulations and labor protections have been criticized for prioritizing the interests of specific industries over the well-being of the nation as a whole.
Finally, Trump's foreign policies have raised concerns about their impact on U.S. national security. His confrontational approach to international relations, including his withdrawal from international agreements and alliances, has strained relationships with key allies and created uncertainty about U.S. commitments to global stability. This has the potential to harm U.S. national security by undermining diplomatic efforts and weakening international cooperation on issues such as counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation.
In conclusion, while Trump's support for trade protectionism and increased military spending align with some aspects of neomercantilist ideology, his presidency has also exhibited inconsistencies with traditional mercantilist principles. His actions towards the state apparatus, policies favoring partisan or class interests, and foreign policies raise questions about the extent to which his administration can be considered genuinely neomercantilist.
Reference:
Balaam, D. N., & Dillman, B. (2015). Introduction to international political economy. Routledge.
In what ways are defensive (benign) and offensive (malevolent) mercantilism different? Why is it sometimes difficult to tell the difference between them? Give examples from the reading.
(34) Answered by Examlex AI CopilotDefensive (benign) and offensive (malevolent) mercantilism differ in their intentions and actions. Defensive mercantilism focuses on protecting domestic industries and maintaining a favorable balance of trade through measures such as tariffs, subsidies, and trade restrictions. This is done with the goal of promoting economic growth and stability within a country. On the other hand, offensive mercantilism involves aggressive tactics such as predatory pricing, dumping, and currency manipulation to gain an unfair advantage in international trade and weaken other countries' economies.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between defensive and offensive mercantilism because the actions taken to achieve these goals may appear similar on the surface. For example, a country implementing protective tariffs to shield its domestic industries from foreign competition could be seen as defensive mercantilism. However, if the same country uses those tariffs as a tool to drive foreign competitors out of the market and establish a monopoly, it would be considered offensive mercantilism.
An example from the reading is the case of China's trade practices. China has been accused of engaging in offensive mercantilism by subsidizing its industries, manipulating its currency, and engaging in intellectual property theft to gain an unfair advantage in international trade. On the other hand, China argues that these measures are necessary for its defensive mercantilist policies to protect its domestic industries and promote economic growth.
In conclusion, the difference between defensive and offensive mercantilism lies in the intentions and actions of a country in international trade. However, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two because the tactics used to achieve these goals may appear similar. This ambiguity can lead to disputes and tensions in international trade relations.
Most members of the Arctic Council are eager to exploit oil and natural gas resources in the Arctic region as its ice cover disappears. Which of the following countries is not a member of the Arctic Council?
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Which period of history is often called the "mercantilist period"?
(43) Which of the following nations have at various times used strongly neomercantilist policies to achieve economic growth in the post-World War II era?
(41) Which political economist stated that "the power of producing is infinitely more important than wealth itself"?
(33) Which of the following U.S. policies before World War II could be considered mercantilist?
(34) The United States has a strategic stockpile of which resources?
(36) Kenneth Pomeranz and Steven Topik state that, historically, "bloody hands and the invisible hand often worked in concert." What do they mean? What examples do they provide to illustrate this point? What other historical examples can you cite as supporting this point?
(39) Some experts believe that the conflict over rare earths between Japan and China in 2010 was really about control over resources in
(40) In the post-World War II era, what kinds of mercantilist policies has the United States adopted, and in pursuit of what goals?
(39) Explain the different ways that the term mercantilism has come to be used, both theoretically and with regard to two specific policy problems. Cover the reading for the class on the subject and use at least one newspaper, magazine, or journal article for support.
(39) What major changes in the international economy and security structure caused states to adopt more neomercantilist policies?
(42) Alexander Hamilton and Friedrich List both wrote that a strong state is necessary if a nation intends to compete with the manufactured goods of the leading industrial power of its day. The dominant industrial power at the time they wrote was
(39) According to Patricia Goff, which non-traditional mercantilist goal have Canada and the EU pursued in recent decades?
(36) Which of the following neomercantilist policies is most likely to be viewed as malevolent?
(37) Which is the best statement of the relationship between wealth and power according the mercantilist thought?
(35) A mercantilist would most likely agree with which of the following statements about trade?
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