Drift off to dreamland while learning about the fascinating world of tariffs. This 3-hour video breaks down trade policy, import duties, and economic theory in a calm, steady tone — perfect for relaxing and falling asleep smarter.

Contents:

Tariffs: A Comprehensive Overview

1. Introduction to Tariffs

Definition and basic mechanics

Ancient origins: Mesopotamian trade taxes (3000 BCE)

Roman portoria system and medieval tolls

Modern tariff evolution: From revenue tool to protectionist instrument

2. Types of Tariffs and Classification

Ad valorem vs. specific tariffs

Compound and mixed tariffs

Fiscal vs. protectionist duties

Modern variants: Carbon border taxes, digital service tariffs

3. Theoretical Foundations

Adam Smith's absolute advantage theory

David Ricardo's comparative advantage (1817)

Heckscher-Ohlin model

New trade theory (Krugman)

4. Protectionism Arguments

Infant industry theory (Friedrich List 1841)

National security considerations

Anti-dumping measures

Strategic trade theory

5. Political Economy of Tariffs

Rent-seeking behavior

Lobbying dynamics (US steel industry case)

Voter psychology and trade policy

Smoot-Hawley Congressional logrolling (1930)

6. Ancient Trade Systems

Sumerian grain tariffs

Athenian 2% Piraeus duty

Roman provincial portoria

Islamic caliphate ushr taxes

7. Mercantilist Era

British Navigation Acts (1651)

French Colbertism

American colonial tariffs

8. Industrial Revolution

British Corn Laws (1815-1846)

German Zollverein (1834)

US Morrill Tariff (1861)

9. Late 19th Century

Bismarck's "Iron and Rye" tariffs (1879)

McKinley Tariff (1890)

French Méline Tariff (1892)

10. Interwar Period

Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922)

Smoot-Hawley Act (1930)

Imperial Preference System

11. Post-WWII System

GATT creation (1947)

Kennedy Round (1964-67)

Tokyo Round non-tariff barriers

12. Modern Globalization

WTO establishment (1995)

China's WTO accession (2001)

Doha Round collapse

13. 21st Century Trade Wars

US steel/aluminum tariffs (2018)

US-China trade war (2018-2025)

EU carbon border mechanism

14. Regional Agreements

USMCA renegotiations

RCEP implementation (2022)

CPTPP expansion

15. Sectoral Impacts

Agriculture: EU Common Agricultural Policy

Automotive: Rules of origin disputes

Technology: Semiconductor export controls

16. Developing Nations

ASEAN Free Trade Area

African Continental Free Trade Area

India's tariff policy shifts

17. Future Challenges

Digital service taxes

Climate change tariffs

3D printing localization

Space resource tariffs