Anti-Imperialism/Foreign Policy

The Art of the Trade Deal: Playing Chess, Not Checkers

July 2, 2025
Welcome to The Lighthouse, the weekly email newsletter of the Independent Institute covering politics, economics, current events, and everything in between.
Dear Readers,

Independence Day is fast-approaching, and it’s a perfect time to reflect on the values that inspired this nation: economic freedom, individual dignity, and a healthy skepticism of unchecked power.

As the US navigates a renewed trade standoff with China, Scott Burn and Caleb Fuller continue their series on the trade war, discussing the wisdom of tariffs as a strategic negotiating tool.

The latest episode of Independent Conversations featured a fascinating conversation on foreign policy—tune in to hear from our experts on what the Iran strikes mean for America’s future.

Kenneth Costello writes about how regulatory bodies can become pawns in political games.

Kristian Fors highlights the challenges and difficulties in assessing the rate of return of attending college, explaining some of the frustrations of Gen Z graduates questioning their investment.

In a timeless article, Ivan Eland warns of the dangers of historical amnesia in shaping foreign policy and civic life.

Francis Crescia offers a cautionary tale from our northern neighbor, where ideological shifts in criminal justice policy are sparking national debate.

Happy Independence Day!

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor

Top picks this week

The Art of the Trade Deal: Playing Chess, Not Checkers

Mythbusters: Debunking the New Mercantilists, Part 7

by Scott A. Burns and Caleb S. Fuller

Are tariffs useful negotiating tactics? Let’s get into it.
Read More

VIDEO

Independent Conversations: Trump Strikes Iran: Turning Point or Mistake?

The Iran strikes raised a number of serious foreign policy questions: Did the President have the legal authority to launch the bombers? Was it morally justified? Hear the answers to these questions and more in the latest episode of Independent Conversations!
Watch Now

The Descent of Utility Regulation

How utility regulators have strayed from protecting consumers toward serving politicized agendas

by Kenneth W. Costello

As state and federal influences politicize their decisions, regulators risk becoming tools of interest groups rather than stewards of the public good.
Read More

The Higher Education Payoff Puzzle

by Kristian Fors

Is college a golden ticket to a better life? As it turns out, not always.
Read More

At Their Own Peril, Americans Are Fuzzy on History

by Ivan Eland

Ignore history? You’re opening the door for political manipulation and costly foreign policy blunders.
Read More

Canada’s Crime Wave

How Canada’s justice policies undermine public safety

by Francis Crescia

Canada risks trading justice for ideology—at everyone’s peril.
Read More

UPCOMING EVENT

What If Everything You Know about the 1619 Project Is Wrong?

Join us for a reception and conversation on Thursday, July 17, with Research Fellow Jeffrey Rogeres Hummel and Senior Fellow and David J. Theroux Chair Phillip W. Magness on his explosive new book, The 1619 Project Myth!
Get Tickets
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