TARIFFS AS INSTRUMENTS OF POWER: THE GEOPOLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF U.S. TRADE POLICY
AUTHOR – HITRAJ SINGH, STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF LEGAL STUDIES, CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – HITRAJ SINGH, TARIFFS AS INSTRUMENTS OF POWER: THE GEOPOLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF U.S. TRADE POLICY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 1056-1063, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344
1. Introduction
In the words of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, “The world has changed, globalization is over and we are now in a new era”.[1] This idea underscores a momentous shift in global economic dynamics due to 21st century being the era of free trade and open markets and it is being progressively challenged by a resurgence of protectionist policies. The United States, under the leadership of 47th President Donald Trump has been at the front end of this movement by implementing tariffs on a range of imports as part of an “America First” strategy. These measures have not only disrupted international trade but ignited geopolitical tension and prompted strategic responses from various nations, international organisations as well as unrest in various stock exchanges through the globe.
U.S. tariffs have evolved from mere economic instruments to a weapon thus making it a potent geopolitical tool, powerful enough that it can now influence global alliances and economic strategies. Countries such as India, China, and Russia have recalibrated their trade policies and diplomatic engagements in response to the shifting landscape. Simultaneously, emerging blocs like BRICS are exploring alternatives to the U.S.-dominated financial system, aiming to mitigate the impact of American economic policies.
This paper seeks to explore the multifaceted role of U.S. tariffs in contemporary geopolitics. The core research agendas guiding this inquiry are:
Keywords: Dollar, U.S., BRICS, Geopolitics, Economy, Trade, Tariffs.
[1] UK Prime Minister Admit Globalisation Over in Response to Trump Tariffs, Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/uk-prime-minister-admit-globalisation-over-response-trump-tariffs-report (last visited Oct. 22, 2025).