When a Tariff War Turns into a Cola War: How Politics Ends Up in Your Fridge
When a Tariff War Turns into a Cola War: How Politics Ends Up in Your Fridge Trade disputes usually play out in government offices, boardrooms, and the pages of economic reports. But every so often, they spill over into places no one expects—like the shelves of your local store. Imagine a tariff war, intended to protect industries or punish unfair trade practices, morphing into a full-blown cola war. Suddenly, the humble soda can becomes a symbol of national pride, and choosing your drink feels like casting a political vote. From Tariffs to Taste Buds Tariffs are designed to make foreign goods more expensive, nudging consumers toward locally made products. But when high-profile brands get caught in the crossfire, the dispute shifts from spreadsheets to the streets. In the case of a “cola war,” governments or social movements might encourage citizens to boycott foreign soda brands, urging them to “drink local” instead. This change turns an economic policy into a public spectac...