Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 01/10/2026If you are at Queen's next week, consider joining us for this event put on by Studies in National and International Development (SMID). I'll be there virtually but Patrick Clark will be there in person. Looking forward to it! 000
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Closer ties with Europe: A big win for East Coast jobs, or a dangerous gamble with the U.S.? www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...cbc.ca© CBC/Radio-Canada 2026. All rights reserved. 001
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Democratizing North American Trade The Problem Corporate-dominated trade deals Corporate-driven free trade agreements have distorted global trade and investment relationships over the past 40 years – including… peri.umass.edu/publication/...peri.umass.eduDemocratizing North American TradeThe Problem Corporate-dominated trade deals Corporate-driven free trade agreements have distorted global trade and investment relationships over the past 40 years – including in North America. The… 001
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Consider joining us Thursday as we talk trade fetishism & magical thinking! P Clark & I will be joined by S Trew, L Macdonald & C Dade. Looking forward to it! Sponsored by @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social @smuarts.bsky.social @carleton.ca the NNAI, and CERLAC York www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caWebinar: How much is trade policy driven by economic or magical thinking? | CCPADate: June 25, 2026Time: 12 to 1:30 p.m. ET 033
Reposted by Gavin FridellMartijn Konings @mkonings.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Wrote on the twilight of independent central banking (always a myth, but a plausible one for some time) for Jacobin. While central bankers "may want to stay out of politics, they simply have no moves left that do not contradict the neutrality they profess." jacobin.com/2026/05/wars...jacobin.comThe Era of Central Bank Independence Is Coming to an EndCentral bank independence has been a sacred cow for the last generation in the major capitalist economies. Donald Trump’s appointment of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair symbolizes the beginning of a new era ... 252
Reposted by Gavin FridellCCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 28/05/2026With the CUSMA review set to begin on June 1, here's what Trump and the Democrats agree about the future of North American trade By Stuart Trew @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social #cdnpoli www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caCUSMA review comes into focus | CCPAWhat Trump and the Democrats agree about the future of North American trade 056
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/05/2026The Simple Answer to Taxing the Rich Is the Best Answer www.nytimes.com/2026/05/22/o...nytimes.comOpinion | The Simple Answer to Taxing the Rich Is the Best Answer 000
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Looking forward to this great event, organized by @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social! Come join us to talk about our new book, Trade Fetishism, with commentary from Dr. Laura Macdonald and Dr. Carlo Dade! June 25 (12 pm ET) 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellMat Paterson @matpaterson.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Been a while since it came out but just got my copy today. Very pleased to be in this. 071
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Engage with a wide range of trade thinking, arguing trade and trade agreements increasingly “fetishized”: offered up as near-magical objects that meet our desires, soothe our anxieties, and offer simple solutions to complex problems, even if they disappoint. 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Explore trade agreements and trade justice movements in North America, between Europe and the Caribbean, and at the World Trade Organization. 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Challenge the idea that trade is driven ultimately by rational economic, political, and strategic logics. We argue that non-rational beliefs and unconscious desires are equally motivating in our obsession with trade and its promises of enjoyment. 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026We argue “trade” not only meets material goals, but also simultaneously works as a fantasy that seeks to satisfy and soothe our unconscious desires and anxieties. In the book, we: 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Chapter One is freely available at: doi.org/10.4324/9781... 011
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Excited to announce our new co-authored book!! Trade Fetishism: Magical and Materialist Thinking in Global Political Economy. www.routledge.com/Trade-Fetish...routledge.comTrade Fetishism: Magical and Materialist Thinking in Global Political EconomyTrade Fetishism argues that “trade” not only meets material goals, but also simultaneously works as a fantasy that seeks to satisfy and soothe our unconscious desires and anxieties. Countering the ide... 543
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 16/01/2026New from @ccpabc.bsky.social researcher Stuart Trew (i.e., me). Some thoughts on the trade and diplomatic outcomes and possibilities, including question of #CUSMA review/Can-US relations. #cdnpoli #canlab www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caCanada resets relations with China - CCPAPrime Minister Carney can be pleased with the results of his first official visit to China. Through a temporary trade truce, and a list of political, economic and cultural MOUs, the federal government... 031
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 04/12/2025A truly insightful analysis of global tensions at COP 30 by SMU Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Patrick Clark. www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caCOP30: Unilateral Climate Measures and a Multilateral Just Transition - CCPAAs discord and uncertainty continue to characterize the global order, the renewal of multilateral cooperation on climate change proved an uphill battle at COP30 in Brazil, which took place in the Amaz... 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellGlobal Reporting Centre @globalreportingcentre.org · 18/11/2025In a recent @policyalternatives.ca article, @gavinfridell.bsky.social, a @smuhalifax.bsky.social research professor and member of the GRC’s supply chains hub, argues that Canada needs to invest in green steel and iron if it wants to be a clean energy superpower. bit.ly/3WsUecYbit.lyTo Become a Clean “Energy Superpower,” Canada Needs “Green” Steel and Iron - CCPAWith the weight of the U.S. trade war challenging key export industries, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his ministers have set up camp in Washington, D.C., hoping to convince President Trump to reduce tariffs on imported Canadian steel, aluminum, lum 031
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 09/11/2025If you're interested why coffee prices are so high, we talked about this on CBC's Just Asking, with Leisha Grebinski and Nick Brown, as well as tariffs, fair trade, climate change, and the Canadian economy. #coffee #fairtrade Why is Coffee So Expensive Right Now? www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...cbc.ca© CBC/Radio-Canada 2025. All rights reserved. 031
Reposted by Gavin FridellGlobal Reporting Centre @globalreportingcentre.org · 29/10/2025In a recent @policyalternatives.ca article, @gavinfridell.bsky.social, a @smuhalifax.bsky.social research professor and member of the GRC’s supply chains hub, argues that Canada needs to invest in green steel and iron if it wants to be a clean energy superpower. bit.ly/3WsUecYbit.lyTo Become a Clean “Energy Superpower,” Canada Needs “Green” Steel and Iron - CCPAWith the weight of the U.S. trade war challenging key export industries, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his ministers have set up camp in Washington, D.C., hoping to convince President Trump to reduce tariffs on imported Canadian steel, aluminum, lum 031
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 28/10/2025For Years, Islands Have Warned of Climate Disaster. They’ve Seen Little Help. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/c...nytimes.comFor Years, Islands Have Warned of Climate Disaster. They’ve Seen Little Help. 000
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 24/10/2025You wanna sell here, you have to make here www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...theglobeandmail.comOttawa rolls back tariff relief for GM, Stellantis after auto production cutsNumber of tariff-free vehicles the automakers can sell in Canada will be reduced, government source says 056
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 22/10/2025Thanks Jonas. Its a great report that everyone should read. Its very convincing and an excellent framework for real change. at: steelwatch.org/press-releas...steelwatch.orgCanada well positioned to lead global green iron exports, accelerate steel decarbonisation - research - SteelWatchMontreal, 14 May 2025: Canada is well-positioned to become a world leader in near-zero emission green iron exports, and to spearhead decarbonisation in the domestic and global steel industries, accord... 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 22/10/2025My take on why Canada needs to ramp up green steel and iron, if it wants to truly be a clean energy "superpower." Reflecting on an impressive report by @jonasalgers.bsky.social and @chrisbataille.bsky.social on "Strategic decarbonisation of the Canadian iron and steel industry." 177
Reposted by Gavin FridellGlobal Reporting Centre @globalreportingcentre.org · 21/10/2025Happening Saturday! See nearly a decade's worth of investigation into global supply chains depicted by a series of art billboards along the Arbutus Greenway. Join Sat, Oct 25, from 2 - 3 pm at the pedestrian/bike path on Fir St (between West 5th and 6th Ave) for an artist-led tour. bit.ly/48GdP0Hbit.lyRipples: A walking tour (led by artist Sydney Hart)Ripples is a public art series along the Arbutus Greenway (between Fir and Burrard St.) in Vancouver. Join us for a tour led by the artist! 041
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Dr. @gavinfridell.bsky.social is one of the collaborators involved in 'Ripples', a billboard art project on display in Vancouver! Dr. Fridell is a faculty member in our Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies. Learn more: globalreportingcentre.org/ripples/ #artswithimpact 022
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 15/10/2025Tonight at 7 pm! Join the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society for “Divided by Oceans, United by the Empire: Nova Scotia and Bengal, 1756-1867.” Dr. Madhuparna Gupta teaches in our Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies. More info: www.rnshs.ca?p=4312 @historysmu.bsky.social 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellGlobal Reporting Centre @globalreportingcentre.org · 06/10/2025Artists, academics, and the city are coming together to bring you ‘Ripples,’ a billboard art project by artist Sydney Hart, curator Christine D’Onofrio, researcher @gavinfridell.bsky.social, and the Global Reporting Centre. Don’t miss the walking tour on Oct 25th! bit.ly/48uUY8xbit.lyRipples - Global Reporting CentreRipples is an upcoming project from artist Sydney Hart, curator Christine D’Onofrio, researcher Gavin Fridell, and the Global Reporting Centre. The project, which consists of five consecutive billboar... 031
Reposted by Gavin FridellM Z Varul @mzv.bsky.social · 06/10/2025Oh look... @gavinfridell.bsky.social your book on coffee in Turkish with a Turkish kahve at aFrankfurt bookstore 132
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 06/10/2025Thanks @mzv.bsky.social! That's great to see. Looks like a fine way to enjoy any book. 010
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 03/10/2025Are the rising prices of coffee beans causing you to cut back on your morning brew? Dr. Gavin Fridell of our Department of Political Science and Global Development Studies shares some thoughts in this @wsj.com article. #tariffs #coffee #trade 011
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 03/10/2025"Hell Hath No Fury Like a Coffee Drinker in 2025" www.wsj.com/business/hos...wsj.comHell Hath No Fury Like a Coffee Drinker in 2025Lots of things are more expensive, but coffee is irreplaceable. So Americans are eating the price hikes—and reserving the right to rant. 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 02/10/2025www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caIndonesia-Canada CEPA is not the rules-based trade we need - CCPAAs the Trumpocalypse lays waste to what was left of the rules-based international trading order, countries are under pressure to diversify their trade relationships. In that sense alone, the Canada-In... 000
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 28/09/2025Really excited to see Sydney's provocative work out! 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 25/09/2025The Canada-Indonesia free trade deal (CEPA) has been published (finally) in Canada: www.international.gc.ca/trade-commer...international.gc.ca 1188
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 25/08/2025Brewing a Revolution: The Origins of Fair Trade Coffee | SMU's Dr. @gavinfridell.bsky.social joins journalist Andrew Stelzer in the August 14 episode of PROOF, the podcast from @americastestkitchen.com. Have a listen: loom.ly/-YXhHLQ; Dr. Fridell joins in around the 11:30 mark. #fairtrade #coffeeloom.lyBrewing a Revolution: The Origins of Fair Trade CoffeePodcast Episode · Proof · 08/14/2025 · 51m 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 25/08/2025Beyond Liberal Disenchantment in Times of Authoritarianism: SMU political scientist Dr. Paulo Ravecca is leading a 3-day workshop in #Lima this week at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), on the crises of liberalism and the rise of authoritarianism. #artswithimpact 111
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 22/07/2025As Canada's provincial and territorial premiers arrived in Huntsville for a summit on U.S. tariffs, SMU's Dr. @gavinfridell.bsky.social joined Todd Battis at @ctvnewsatlantic.bsky.social yesterday to discuss the latest developments. www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/vid... #cdnpoli #uspoli #artswithimpactctvnews.caPolitical scientist on trade talksPolitical scientist Gavin Fridell discusses the latest developments in the trade war. 031
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Canada has "an opportunity to become a leader in refusing to import goods produced with forced labour by taking up civil society demands and aligning with other countries taking action to protect workers globally." #usmca #cdnpoli #canlab www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caAs the U.S. drops the ball on forced labour, Canada must pick it up - CCPAAlmost five years after Canada’s July 2020 ban on importing goods produced using forced labour, we have very little to show for it. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that roughly 50 shipm... 011
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 03/06/2025www.theglobeandmail.com/business/com...theglobeandmail.comOpinion: Build, baby, build: Canada used to know how to do thatNot so long ago, Canada could build big, quickly and at reasonable cost 000
Reposted by Gavin FridellRethink Trade @rethinktrade.bsky.social · 22/05/2025Things we are NOT doing today? Letting the truth and possibility of tariffs get lost in the noise from this administration's actions. If you haven't already, watch this video from @moreperfectunion.bsky.social featuring @wallachlori.bsky.social: youtu.be/779G7R4Wj7s?...youtu.beHow Elites Rigged Global Trade To Make You PoorPresident Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff fiasco angered everyone from Democrats to Trump’s billionaire friends. Now some people are suggesting that we go back... 011
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 12/05/2025Political economist Dr. Gavin Fridell of @smuarts.bsky.social spoke with CTV News on how today's China-U.S. trade breakthrough could benefit Canada in its own trade negotiations with the U.S. www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/0... @gavinfridell.bsky.social #SMUGlobalDevelopmentStudies #SMUPoliticalSciencectvnews.caU.S.-China tariff slash impact ‘opens the door’ for negotiations with Canada: political economistPolitical economist Gavin Fridell says the trade breakthrough between China and U.S. may benefit Canada in negotiations with the U.S. 122
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 07/05/2025cepr.net/publications...cepr.netCanadian Trade Policy: Good Clean FunOne way CanadIian Prime Minister Mark Carney can respond to Trump’s trade war is by importing low-cost Chinese EVs. 021
Reposted by Gavin FridellTrade and Investment Research Project @ccpa-tirp.bsky.social · 05/05/2025TIRP Director Stuart Trew spoke with @ctvnews-rss.bsky.social about @mark-carney.bsky.social's tirp to Washington this week. www.ctvnews.ca/video/2025/0...ctvnews.caUpcoming meeting with Trump and PM Carney could be ‘high stakes,’ expert saysStuart Trew, and international trade policy expert, tells CTV News that Prime Minister Mark Carney ‘has some leverage’ going into this meeting. 033
Reposted by Gavin FridellFaculty of Arts at Saint Mary's University @smuarts.bsky.social · 23/04/2025Are U.S. tariffs affecting #coffee prices in #Canada? Dr. @gavinfridell.bsky.social of Saint Mary's University did a series of interviews on that subject today with CBC News, including this one with Marcy Markusa in Winnipeg. youtu.be/CRrNfPqFyEU?... #SMUGlobalDevelopmentStudies #tariffsyoutu.beCoffee prices in Canada are likely going up because U.S. tariffsYouTube video by CBC News Manitoba 022
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 23/04/2025I did some interviews with CBC news today on coffee and tariffs, including this one with Marcy Markusa at CBC News Winnipeg (my home town). youtu.be/CRrNfPqFyEU?...youtu.beCoffee prices in Canada are likely going up because U.S. tariffsYouTube video by CBC News Manitoba 011
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 15/04/2025www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...theglobeandmail.comOttawa grants automakers tariff relief but warns of pullback if they cut domestic manufacturing, investmentThe government will partially exempt automakers from countermeasure tariffs, based on their Canadian production and planned investments 010
Gavin Fridell @gavinfridell.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Co-authored by former US trade ambassador, Katherine Tai, prospect.org/labor/2025-0...prospect.orgGlobal Working Conditions Matter for American WorkersThe Trump administration has cut programs that help prevent forced labor and child labor. This will suppress wages everywhere, including the U.S. 000