This is from The Intersection column that appears every other Monday in Mint. Some of Donald Trump’s reasons for imposing tariffs on some countries are understandable even if their fitness for purpose is debatable. Demanding that Mexico impose tighter border controls, Europe raise defence expenditure and China prevent fentanyl smuggling or else suffer economic punishment is coercive diplomacy. A good threat comprises of a promise of punishment if the demand is not met and — importantl...
