From most-favoured-nation to reciprocal tariffs: what is unsurprising about Trump’s tariffs, what is surprising, and why it matters

The Alice Murray Distinguished Scholar Lecture 2026 will be given by Prof Kevin O'Rourke (CNRS and Sciences PO), organised by the Centre for Economics, Policy and History.

Please register here to attend.

Commentary on recent US tariff increases has largely focussed on the height of the duties involved, but in a historical context what is more striking is their discriminatory nature. The lecture will argue that the American move away from free trade is not so surprising, when viewed in a historical context, but that the US abandonment of the non-discrimination principles it traditionally championed is much more so. The reasons why the United States initially embraced the MFN principle will be revisited, since that historical experience has something to teach us today. 
The Alice Murray Distinguished Scholar Award is awarded annually by the Centre for Economics, Policy, and History (CEPH) to an economic historian who has made a major contribution to the discipline.

About the Speaker:
Kevin Hjortshøj O’Rourke is a Director of Research at the CNRS and a Professor of Economics at Sciences Po Paris. His research lies at the intersection of economic history and international economics, with a particular focus on the history of globalization and deglobalization: his publications include numerous articles in economic history and economics journals, as well as the prize-winning Globalization and History (co-authored with Jeffrey G. Williamson), Power and Plenty (co-authored with Ronald Findlay), and A Short History of Brexit. 

For more information please see here.

This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.
Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: CEPH@tcd.ie