When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against nearly all countries in April 2025—infamously dubbed “Liberation Day”—the move was framed as an act of economic sovereignty. Aimed at defending American workers, correcting trade imbalances, and punishing foreign nations accused of unfair practices, the 10% baseline tariff (and far higher rates for select nations) was meant to be a declaration of independence from a trade system that many believed disadvantaged the United States.

But what began as an assertion of American self-interest is now reverberating across the globe, triggering economic tremors that few anticipated and many fear may permanently reshape the global order.

The Intentions: Economic Nationalism Reborn

Trump’s rationale was not new. Tariffs have historically been used to protect domestic industries, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and pressure trade partners to change their behavior. This round of tariffs was more sweeping than any the U.S. had imposed in over a century. The administration targeted over 180 countries, including allies, emerging economies, and even remote territories that barely trade with the U.S.—a precaution against tariff evasion through transshipment.

The administration’s messaging was simple but aggressive: it’s time for America to stop being the world’s economic doormat and to rebuild its industrial might from within.

The Reality: Economic Strain and Fragmentation

However, history and current evidence tell a more sobering story. Tariffs are blunt instruments. While they may temporarily protect local industries, they often result in higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and retaliatory measures. We’ve seen this before—during the Great Depression with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and more recently during Trump’s first term trade war with China. In both cases, the long-term consequences were damaging.

In 2025, it’s happening again—on a broader scale:

• Stock markets have plunged, wiping out trillions in value.
• Consumer prices are rising as import costs spike.
• Supply chains are unraveling as companies scramble to redirect sourcing.
• Global trade flows are shifting away from the U.S., as countries retaliate and seek new partners.

The U.S. hoped to isolate abusive trading behaviors, but it is increasingly isolating itself.

The Rise of Economic Blocs

In response, the world is reorganizing into regional economic blocs. What America has stepped away from, others are now rushing to claim:

• The European Union, increasingly united in trade and security, is moving to fill the void in global leadership.
• China, through its Belt and Road Initiative and new trade alliances across Asia, is tightening its grip on emerging markets.
• India, ASEAN nations, and Latin America are pursuing regional deals to shield themselves from U.S. unpredictability.
• Africa, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is charting a course toward intra-regional trade independence.

These blocs are forming not just out of economic logic—but out of necessity. The post–World War II era of U.S.-led globalization is ending. In its place, a fragmented, competitive, and increasingly adversarial global economy is emerging.

The Geopolitical Risks: From Trade War to Real War

This economic realignment carries with it grave geopolitical risks.

As trade blocs become more inward-looking and rivalrous, the possibility of military conflict among major powers increases—especially as nuclear-armed states compete for influence, resources, and strategic positioning. The risk of conflict between the U.S. and China, or even among European powers and their neighbors, is no longer hypothetical—it is becoming increasingly likely in a world no longer bound by mutual economic interest.

Furthermore, the economic instability triggered by tariff wars could prompt a dangerous political shift. History has shown us that during extremely difficult times, people can trade personal freedom for security. With inflation, job losses, and uncertainty mounting, charismatic strongmen often step into the void—offering order, prosperity, and national pride in exchange for civil liberties and democratic safeguards.

A World on the Edge

This is precisely the world that the Bible describes will exist just before the return of Jesus Christ.

The book of Revelation speaks of a final global system—a powerful economic and military confederation—that dominates the world for a short time. This “beast” power promises security and prosperity, and the world, desperate for stability, embraces it. But this system, empowered by human pride and corrupted leadership, ultimately brings humanity to the brink of annihilation (Matthew 24:22).

We are not there yet—but the signs are unmistakable.

• The weakening of American influence, once a stabilizing force in the world, is accelerating.
• The rise of rival blocs, each with its own rules and ambitions, is fracturing the global system.
• The erosion of freedoms in favor of authoritarian efficiency is gaining traction.

A Time to Watch and Prepare

President Trump’s tariffs were intended to make America strong. But by pursuing economic disengagement in a globalized world, the U.S. may have instead triggered the unraveling of the very system that kept major conflicts in check.

We do not place our hope in presidents, trade policies, or economic systems. We watch these events with a discerning eye—not in panic, but in understanding. The unraveling world system is not the end of the story. It is a prelude to Christ’s return, when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15).

While men pursue security through strength and prosperity through force, true peace will only come through the righteous rule of God’s coming Kingdom.