“Torn Between Two Lovers: The Philippines' Trade Dilemma 

Is loving both of you really breaking all the rules?”

A Marxist-Constructivist Analysis of the U.S.-China Trade War in the Philippine Context

Abstract

USA and China are major world powers in terms of politics, economics, and military. Because of their economies’ scale and importance in global trade, their domestic policies, and their policies toward one another, have major external consequences and influence. The trade conflict between Washington and Beijing began in the middle of 2018, when each country imposed additional tariffs on imports. Since then, tensions have only grown - both sides are taking new responses.¹

The U.S.-China trade wars have reshaped global economic dynamics, leaving nations like the Philippines navigating the complexities of this geopolitical rivalry. From a Marxist perspective, the trade tensions highlight the struggle for control over global capital, with the Philippines positioned as a semi-peripheral economy affected by disruptions in supply chains and trade flows². The economic inequalities and vulnerabilities of workers in export-driven industries underscore the class dynamics at play. Through a Constructivist lens, the trade wars reveal how identities, norms, and perceptions influence international relations. The Philippines' diplomatic strategies and economic decisions are shaped by its unique cultural and political identity, as it balances relationships with both superpowers³.

This dual theoretical approach offers a nuanced understanding of how structural economic forces and socially constructed realities converge, particularly in the context of the Philippines amidst the trade war. It underscores the importance of adopting a balanced strategy to navigate the complexities of the U.S.-China trade war, enabling the Philippines to leverage opportunities while mitigating potential risks.