Re “President’s massive tariff blitz stuns allies, adversaries” (April 4): The world economy is shaking, and tariff policies meant to protect now expose major weaknesses. Far from shielding U.S. industries, tariffs have disrupted supply chains, raised prices and pushed China toward self-reliance. Farmers lose exports, manufacturers face higher costs and global cooperation is unraveling.
Tensions over Taiwan underscore our interconnected, fragile world. While military conflict remains remote, economic warfare is real — cyberattacks, trade restrictions and financial pressures are all tools of disruption. Tariffs have done little to reinforce U.S. strength and have instead accelerated instability.
Domestically, turning inward invites global disorder. History warns against abandoning leadership; doing so creates power vacuums others will fill. As trade barriers rise and alliances strain, we must ask not if tension will escalate — but how fast.
Strategic cooperation — not isolation or tariffs — is the key to resilience.
— Michael Smith, Escondido
