Tariffs enforced by the Trump Administration are likely to cause even greater economic strife. Some analysts would say that he’s unintentionally jumpstarting an uprising.
On February 1, BBC news announced that the Trump administration would now be facing confirmed tariffs from Canada and Mexico. Previously, the Trump administration levied a 25% tax on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with an additional 10% tax on China. These initial imports from the Trump administration and the retaliatory tariffs from Mexico, Canada and possibly China could lead to skyrocketing prices across all markets, from the car you purchase to the food you buy. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been, in-turn, delayed for 30 days as of February 3.
“Consumers in all countries could see an increase in the cost of living if businesses decide to pass on higher costs to customers, with US industry groups already raising the alarm,” BBC news stated.
President Trump has stated that he is ready to “escalate the duties further if the counties retaliate.” Currently China, Mexico and Canada account for more than 40% of the US’ imports according to BBC news. The expected economic decline due to America’s tariffs and the potential tariffs as a result of this war can lead to political instability.
In an article released 2016 by the World Economic Forum, agenda contributor David Brady found that there is an existing correlation between increased political instability and economic performance. The World Economic Forum also points out that due to the automation of certain white and blue color jobs (think the inspector at a factory), people will likely begin to experience a level of governmental uncertainty. Uncertainty rooted in just how fast tech globalization is taking place.
“With their experiences and fortunes changing fast, many citizens now believe that powerful forces are operating outside the control of existing governance structures, insulated from policy intervention,” Michael Spence stated in the World Economic Forum. “And, to some extent, they are right. The result is a widespread loss of confidence in the government’s motivations, capabilities, and competence.”
In 2023, the Council of Foreign Relations (CFR) released an article titled , “Understanding Revolution.” In it, they curated an iceberg of grievances they (the CFR) believe can lead to a revolt. It begins with social grievances, which they describe as conditions which reduce a population’s sense of security. As an example of this escalation, they use the example of the 2010 self immolation of Tuninsian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi after his fruit stand was confiscated. This self immolation led to protests demanding systemic change. Social grievances can also come in the form of discrimination along with government suppression of dissenting voices.
The second tier is political grievances which includes corruption among the ruling. Economic grievances are at the top of grievances that lead to a revolt, especially when there are high levels of inequality.
“Widespread poverty and unemployment are common drivers of unrest. This is especially true in countries with high inequality like Tunisia, where select individuals with personal ties to the government amass immense wealth. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the citizenry live in poverty,” the Council of Foreign Relations states.
Right now, America is arguably in the stage of social grievances with crack downs on diversity, the threat to birthright citizenship and the concern over surveillance. Things are likely going to escalate to the second and third tier if the current cycle of events continues.
So, if the current course of the government leans towards a potential revolution, how can we, as the people, dictate (or at the very least prepare for) the outcome? According to the CFR, a key factor is working together and agreeing on the same goals. This, along with foreign intervention can play a role in a revolt’s success.
“Successful movements need to agree on aims,” the CFR stated. “Anyone who has worked on a group project in school knows the difficulty of managing expectations, the workload, and the outcome. When revolutionaries can’t agree on goals and how to accomplish them, they risk splintering into a patchwork of movements, often with competing agendas.”
Gathering and agreeing on aims does not mean you have to stage the next French Revolution. Get out and protest. Purchase reading material on revolutions. Donate to local grass root organizations, provide funding to friends who may need legal support. As economic grievances continue, remember to hone in and set a goal.
