Ripple Effects: How US Trade Policies Reshape the Global Economy

The School of Commerce, Finance and Accountancy at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an insightful invited talk on the topic “Ripple Effects: How US Trade Policies Reshape the Global Economy” on April 23, 2025. The event was conducted from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and witnessed active participation from both students and faculty. The session was part of the institution’s ongoing efforts to foster global economic awareness and critical thinking among students through exposure to international perspectives.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Majo George, Dean of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance. A globally renowned academic and policy expert, Dr. George is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of international trade, economic diplomacy, and global policy-making. His presence added immense value to the session, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage with an expert of international repute.

Dr. George began the session by providing a comprehensive historical overview of international trade. He traced the evolution of global economic exchanges — from the Silk Road and colonial trade routes to the modern multilateral trade agreements governed by institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). This background set the stage for a nuanced understanding of the contemporary issues surrounding trade policies.

The core of the lecture focused on recent U.S. trade policies, especially the shift toward protectionist strategies and tariff regimes that have characterized global economic interactions in the past decade. Dr. George provided a critical analysis of how these policies are transforming not just bilateral relationships but the structure and resilience of global trade itself. He elaborated on the U.S.–China tariff war, explaining its origins, escalation, and subsequent consequences. Through well-researched data and real-world examples, he demonstrated how such trade conflicts lead to widespread disruptions in global supply chains, currency markets, foreign direct investment, and employment trends.

Dr. George emphasized that while such policies may aim to protect domestic industries in the short term, they often result in long-term instability, particularly for emerging and developing economies. These countries, he noted, are especially vulnerable to shifts in trade dynamics, as their economic structures are closely tied to global market fluctuations. He also discussed the indirect effects of U.S. trade policy on third-party countries, multinational corporations, and regional trade blocs.

The session drew a strong audience of 100 students and 5 faculty members, all of whom were highly engaged throughout the lecture. The talk concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where participants raised thoughtful questions about India’s role in global trade, the future of multilateral agreements, and how students can pursue careers in international economic policy.

The event was widely appreciated for its clarity, relevance, and depth. Attendees commended Dr. George for his ability to break down complex global issues into understandable insights while maintaining analytical rigor. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to Dr. Majo George for delivering a thought-provoking session that enriched the academic environment of the university.