Harvard Kennedy School's Sheard Says It's Hard to Predict U.S.-China Trade War Causing a Recession

The transcript discusses the challenges of achieving a meaningful handshake agreement amid differing economic and geopolitical systems. It highlights concerns about the US economy, potential recession, and the impact of trade war rhetoric. The unpredictability of President Trump's actions and the reliance on consumer confidence are also examined, along with the need for strategic economic management.

What is the main challenge in managing the relationship between the two economic systems discussed?

• Agreeing on environmental policies

• Managing fundamentally different systems

• Establishing a trade deal

• Finding a common currency

What could potentially lead to a recession according to the second section?

• Lower interest rates

• Increased consumer spending

• Worsening trade war rhetoric

• Higher manufacturing output

What is the current state of manufacturing jobs growth?

• Rapidly increasing

• Slightly decreasing

• Stable

• Completely dried up

How does the administration view the economic data in relation to political strategy?

• As irrelevant

• As a minor concern

• As a key factor

• As a distraction

What is a potential consequence of tariffs just ahead of Christmas?

• Boost in consumer confidence

• Increase in manufacturing jobs

• Rise in GDP

• Strain on the economy