Tariffs and trade wars: a history of economic warfare
Tariffs and trade wars: a history of economic warfare  
Podcast: History Extra podcast
Published On: Tue Apr 01 2025
Description: Trade wars and tariffs have once again been making headlines in recent weeks, as US president Donald Trump's government adopts combative economic policies. But are such approaches really that unusual? Speaking to Matt Elton, Frank Trentmann looks back at centuries of economic warfare – and reveals the historical factors that have sparked it. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices