Trump’s Trade Leverage Brings Peace to Thai-Cambodian Border

President Donald Trump’s strategic use of tariff threats against both Thailand and Cambodia has yielded a surprising result: a ceasefire in their recent deadly border clash. This week’s de-escalation highlights Trump’s unconventional approach to international relations, using trade as a lever to encourage peaceful resolutions.

Trade Pressure as a Tool for Peace?

The move underscores Trump’s willingness to employ trade pressure, often seen as a weapon of economic coercion, to achieve diplomatic aims. By threatening tariffs, he successfully pushed both nations towards ending the armed conflict, showcasing a unique form of “trade diplomacy.”

Shifting Dynamics in China’s Backyard

This intervention also positions the United States as a significant player in Southeast Asia, a region traditionally considered within China’s sphere of influence. By successfully mediating the conflict, Trump has effectively upstaged China in its own backyard.