Venice vs. Trump: A Tale of Tariff Tactics
Did you know that U.S. President Donald Trump isn’t the first global leader to use tariffs as a strategic tool? Let’s hop on a time machine 🚀 and head back to late-medieval Venice, when this maritime powerhouse dominated Mediterranean trade and set the stage for modern economic debates.
In Venice, tariffs weren’t just levies meant to burden foreign merchants—they were a smart way to promote healthy trade. As Luciano Pezzolo, a historian at Ca' Foscari University, explains, "Trade was considered the wealth of the city and tariffs had to promote exchange." Venice’s careful approach meant keeping duties low to encourage vibrant commerce and maintain its economic dominance.
Fast forward to more recent times, and you see a clear contrast with policies used during Trump's term. Both eras used tariffs as leverage, yet the Venetian strategy was all about balance and fostering exchange, while modern tactics often lean toward protecting domestic industries with more aggressive measures.
This look into history teaches us that sometimes centuries-old practices can shed light on today’s complex economic policies. It’s a reminder that lessons from the past can offer fresh insights for a digitally savvy, globally connected generation. 🌍
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Comparing late-medieval Venice's tariff use to that of Trump
cgtn.com
