As Bob Davis, a veteran economics reporter, wrote last September, the Biden administration actually “confirmed and deepened” the shift toward protectionism that marked Trump’s first term, reflecting a “broader change in the U.S. economic and political thinking.”

U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs have made headlines since the start of his term. His trade policy, which is more aggressive than during his first administration, is already rattling the global trade system. Yet while Trump’s moves are extreme, FP contributors have pointed out that Washington has been embracing protectionism for some time.

As Bob Davis, a veteran economics reporter, wrote last September, the Biden administration actually “confirmed and deepened” the shift toward protectionism that marked Trump’s first term, reflecting a “broader change in the U.S. economic and political thinking.”

Think of this edition of Flash Points as a guide to what Davis calls our era of “neo-protectionism.” Below, you’ll find articles that provide insight into many of your tariff-related questions, as well as the history and future of Trump’s favorite economic tool.