Peterson Perspectives: Interviews on Current Issues

C. Fred Bergsten says President Trump's proposal to treat currency manipulation as an unfair export subsidy has some merit, but many political hurdles stand in the way of its implementation.

Gary Clyde Hufbauer contends that a proposal under consideration in the Trump administration to change the way trade balances are measured would mislead the public by exaggerating the US trade deficit.

Nicolas Véron explains the dangers of a race to the regulatory bottom by London-based banks that transfer operations to Europe after Britain leaves the European Union.

Edwin M. Truman says that in light of the drive to repeal Dodd-Frank, a letter from a key member of Congress could imperil the future stability of the global financial system.

Caroline Freund explains the logic, benefits, costs, and politics of separate proposals advanced by President Trump and Republicans in Congress.

Gary Clyde Hufbauer says the new US president’s directives to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and kill US participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are symbolic first steps that could lead to changes in trade with Mexico and Canada.

Monica de Bolle says Donald Trump’s election is already hurting Mexico’s economy and adds that it could push the country’s politics in a leftist, protectionist direction.

Paolo Mauro and Tomas Hellebrandt discuss their new book, "World on the Move," which argues that a projected reduction in the income gap between the rich and poor across the globe in the next 20 years will bring many new challenges to policymakers. As incomes rise, consumers worldwide are projected to spend proportionately less on food and more on transportation, energy, and services, which will in turn strain the global infrastructure and accelerate climate change. The largest income gains will be made in poorer parts of the world, chiefly sub-Saharan Africa and India, followed by China and the advanced economies. Mauro and Hellebrandt warn policymakers to prepare for the coming profound effects on the world economy and the planet.

Bown says the United States would still have tools to fight unfair trade competition from China even if it grants the country ‘market economy’ status as was promised under the country’s 2001 entry into the WTO.

Marcus Noland says South Korea’s political crisis not only could have a dampening effect on investment but also leaves open a dangerous power vacuum at a volatile time in its relations with North Korea.