Trump’s tariffs are antithetical to a free and prosperous world

By Lethbridge Herald on April 14, 2025.

By Jonathan Harline and Austin Mardon

There isn’t a corner of the world that hasn’t been affected by Trump 2.0, and the tariffs levied against allies and antagonists alike have made for a wild and unpredictable economic situation. While Canada has every right to defend itself using every tool in its toolkit, reciprocal tariffs included, we should not become accustomed to their use and presence in our economic world.

In full transparency, one of the authors of this piece is half-American and holds citizenship in Canada and the USA; the other has significant ties to the states and journeyed to Antarctica with an American research team. Both are still proud Canadians and work for a future that is as beautiful and diverse as the present, but more just and equitable.
You might ask why a graduate student in philanthropy and an old explorer think they have something to say about these tariffs, but as equal students of humanity, we have to stress how destructive these protectionist measures really are. It may come as a shock, or to the dismay of the xenophobic and ultra-nationalist, but we live in a global community. We are all human – we deserve the dignity and respect that is entailed with that. Tariffs are known to wreak economic havoc, but their social impacts are less talked about.

Expect inequality to be exacerbated. Expect greater levels of unrest and the fraying of our social fabric. If we ever expect to become a more free and prosperous world, regardless of where you live, then we must learn to embrace each other as family and work together for the just and equitable future we all long for and deserve.
Whether we like it or not, we are an interconnected and interdependent world. The notions of independence and isolationism are fairy tales at best, and the U.S.A. is quickly turning into a cautionary tale of hubris and short-sightedness. If we want a planet that is free and prosperous for everyone, not just the billionaires ruining America, then we have to work together despite our differences for that singular aim: to make life better for all. We have the tools and the guidance needed, but we are quickly missing our window of making a difference. Decolonizing our institutions, battling climate change, and increasing, not decreasing, our capacity to work together across borders are all essential starts to the process of ensuring the freedom and prosperity of the human race.

As an explorer, Dr. Mardon understands inherently and practically the benefit of international cooperation. As chair of the Antarctic Institute of Canada, he has mentored national and international students and helped them advance their academic careers; he has received awards for his efforts from the UK, Brazil, and Pakistan, among others. Exploration is inherently a collaborative effort. As humanity looks to the future, we cannot be hampered by petty squabbles around ideology and border integrity. We must be united in our vision of a free and prosperous, just and equitable world as we wade into the future. There are bountiful resources to be had, and we need the best and brightest of humanity, not one nation, to lead us.

Jonathan Harline is a graduate student of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Carleton University, a published author, and poli-sci nerd. He writes about fulfilling our civic duties and compassionate philanthropy. Austin Mardon has the Order of Canada and the Medal of Honour from the Canadian Medical Association. He has lived experience with schizophrenia and homelessness and uses his story to help others living with mental illness. He is an associate adjunct professor at the University of Alberta’s John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre.