Listen "We’ve Been Looking At Trade All Wrong"
Episode Synopsis
There was once a broad consensus in Washington that trade was a force for good—a way to connect, grow, and prosper. But today, trade has evolved into something much bigger than just the exchange of goods. It’s become a powerful tool to rewrite the rules of foreign policy, reshape how the United States is viewed by the rest of the world, and steer us toward an increasingly uncertain future. When did this change begin, and where did we go off course?
This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re diving into the history books to learn what can the past tell us about the future of U.S. trade policy.
Featured Guest
Edward Alden, senior fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/weve-been-looking-trade-all-wrong
This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re diving into the history books to learn what can the past tell us about the future of U.S. trade policy.
Featured Guest
Edward Alden, senior fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy
For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/weve-been-looking-trade-all-wrong
More episodes of the podcast Why It Matters
The Risk Report for 2026
18/12/2025
Where Does U.S. Trade Go From Here?
05/06/2025
Mind the Trade Gap
03/06/2025
Why It Matters Live!: Food Diplomacy
21/05/2025
Trade Agreements: Deal or No Deal
21/05/2025
Tariff Turmoil, Part 2: Steel and Dog Gelato
30/04/2025
The Washington Consensus Could Not Hold
02/04/2025
Why Trade Matters
19/03/2025
Why Climate Matters: Nuclear Energy
20/02/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.