3 chapters across the catalog
Obama Files WTO Case Against China Over Rare Earths
President Obama announces a World Trade Organization case against China, joined by Japan and European allies, regarding export restrictions on rare earth materials. The hosts argue this is a PR move, noting that China had announced its intention to reduce exports as early as 2009.
Chilean Grape Scare of the 1980s and Media Manipulation
A historical anecdote recalls a mid-1980s trade dispute where two Chilean grapes were allegedly found injected with strychnine. The discovery led to a total halt of Chilean fruit imports, severely damaging the nation's industry before the issue abruptly vanished from the news cycle. The event is cited as an example of how minor or fabricated food safety claims can be used as economic weapons.
French G20 Protests, Wine Terrorism in France
Violent protests in Strasbourg, France, during the G20 summit resulted in buildings being burned, though the events received limited media coverage compared to London. Additionally, a phenomenon known as "wine terrorism" has emerged, where French growers hijack tankers of cheap Spanish wine and drain them into sewers to protest market competition.
