Bangladesh, Feb. 8 -- The controversy surrounding President Donald Trumps tariffs has reignited debates over trade policy, economic protectionism, and geopolitical strategy. Critics, both domestically and internationally, have condemned them as counterproductive, xenophobic, and imperialistic. Meanwhile, supporters argue that these measures were essential for restoring economic fairness and safeguarding national security. However, the fundamental question remains: Were Trumps tariffs merely traditional tariffs, or were they strategic tools designed to address longstanding international imbalances?

Historically, tariffs have been defined as taxes imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The prevai...