Explain Like I'm Five

15857 readers

1 users here now

Simplifying Complexity, One Answer at a Time!

Rules

Be respectful and inclusive.
No harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
Engage in constructive discussions.
Share relevant content.
Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
Use appropriate language and tone.
Report violations.
Foster a continuous learning environment.

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

ELI5: When countries impose massive tariffs on other countries not basically declaring economic war? Which is the beginning of most HOT Wars? Why or why not? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

4 comments fedilink hide all child comments

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

If you’re feeling grumpy and pissed off today and snap at your neighbor, does everyone gun up and choose sides? No, nobody sane would jump to all out cul de sac conflict. They’ll be understandably annoyed, may no longer trust you, may not speak to you for a while, and you’ll be an outcast if you make a habit of it or don’t make up for it. That’s just messy relationships: they’re not always pretty, but can still happen.

Of course “sane” may not apply to the current US administration, but des to most of the rest of the world. Think of that crazy old man down the block spouting racist sexist gibberish from decades ago: most of us roll our eyes don’t want anything to do with it, and keep walking.

I’m not happy seeing this in my future

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

This is very similar to what I was thinking.

Tariffs reduce some trade. They do not turn all trade down to 0, and turning a reduction in trade into a war actually would make the number go negative, as now you're spending money (and blood) on the other country, instead of getting money from them. Has to be an extreme situation to turn a (legal) business deal into a shootout.