Ever wondered how campaigns of the past echo in today's global trade strategies? When U.S. President Donald Trump used tariffs as leverage, history reminded us that this wasn’t a brand-new playbook. In fact, late-medieval Venice—a major maritime powerhouse—was already setting the stage for modern trade policies.
Back then, Venice dominated Mediterranean trade with a clever twist: while many imposed steep duties, the Venetian approach was different. Historian Luciano Pezzolo from Ca' Foscari University notes, "Trade was considered the wealth of the city and tariffs had to promote exchange." By keeping tariffs low, Venice ensured that commerce flourished, proving that smart economic measures can foster growth rather than hinder it.
For busy, tech-savvy young pros and creatives in South and Southeast Asia, this serves as an inspiring reminder: whether you're streaming digital trends or scrolling through global news, history offers insights that are as fresh today as they were centuries ago. 🚀😊
Reference(s):
Comparing late-medieval Venice's tariff use to that of Trump
cgtn.com
