The piece argues the U.S. is shifting from rule‑bound multilateralism to a bilateral, transactional network of state relations—akin to China’s historical Warring States period—where legitimacy comes from outputs (industry, cohesion, clarity) rather than institutional approval. Trump’s 'reciprocal' tariffs are presented as the catalyst and operating method for this new order. The frame suggests innovation, standardization and hard meritocracy tend to arise in such competitive anarchy.
— This reframes today’s order as open rivalry rather than mediated stability, changing how analysts assess power, institutions, and the meaning of U.S. leadership.
Wolfgang Munchau
2025.12.01
87% relevant
The article argues Europe has lost the kind of long‑term and chess‑style statecraft needed to shape a post‑war settlement, leaving room for actors (here the U.S./Trump plan and China’s long game) to re‑order outcomes — the same structural shift the 'Warring States' idea identifies: a move from mediated multilateral order to a transactional, power‑based politics.
Hui Huang
2025.10.16
100% relevant
Trump’s April tariffs on nearly all trading partners are cited as a deliberate move away from WTO‑style ritual toward bilateral, Warring States‑style bargaining.
← Back to All Ideas