Bridgewater argues that the global economy is shifting from free trade toward modern mercantilism, where governments increasingly shape trade, industry, and corporate outcomes. China helped accelerate this transition, while US policy has followed, potentially forcing Europe to reconsider its commitment to the postwar economic order.
We Are All Mercantilists Now
Bridgewater
Greg Jensen
Article
1 Pages
Key Takeaways
Four Mercantilist Tenets: Bridgewater identifies 4 defining features, including greater state involvement, trade balance priorities, industrial policy, and protection of national corporate champions.
Policy Shift Accelerates: Over the past 8 years, both Trump and Biden administrations increasingly challenged the WTO framework through tariffs, export controls, and industrial policy.
Old Order Fades: Mercantilism dates to the 18th century, but Bridgewater sees its modern revival as potentially ending the Reagan Thatcher era of market oriented globalization.
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