Are Trade Wars Class Wars?

Published 06 October 2020 | 5 minute read

This briefing explored the relationship between class, globalization, and changes in political leadership in the United States. As the US-China trade war continues to rage, how is the American working class being affected, and what differences would a possible Biden Administration make? This Hinrich Foundation-sponsored National Press Foundation invited two experts for a discussion.

The future of globalization is on the ballot in November. But how is the US-China trade war going for the American working class – the people most affected and least able to respond to changing supply chains, technology wars, tariffs and market upheavals?

In this video, Matthew C. Klein, economics commentator, Barron’s, outlines the key themes of his new book, “Trade Wars Are Class Wars: How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace”, and discusses these with Cathy Feingold, director, International Department, AFL-CIO; deputy president, International Trade Union Confederation. This webinar is a timely look at how rising inequality and indebtedness can heighten trade conflicts and the role that trade policy has in resetting globalization to promote mutually beneficial and sustainable trade outcomes.

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This briefing is part of a series of National Press Foundation's online webinars on global trade issues in the era of the coronavirus. Check here for all past briefings. Trainings explored:

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