Crypto Czar David Sacks Reveals Three Must-Read Books On The U.S.-China Tariff Dispute Alongside A 'Bonus' Read

Tech investor David Sacks, who also serves as Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, has unveiled four book recommendations that he considers crucial for navigating the current global landscape, particularly as the United States grapples with intensifying tariff conflicts.

What Happened: Sacks shared his reading list on X, sparking interest among policymakers and tech leaders alike.

The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington

The first title, "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" by Samuel P. Huntington, presents the idea that future conflicts will be rooted in cultural differences rather than ideology. According to Conflict Research Consortium’s summary of the book by Hollie Hendrikson, Huntington's work predicts friction between major civilization blocs, including the West and China, suggesting that efforts to impose Western democratic values could exacerbate tension — an argument echoed in ongoing U.S.-China tech and trade skirmishes.

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John J. Mearsheimer

John J. Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" advances the concept of "offensive realism," positing that states strive for dominance in a harsh international system. Mearsheimer specifically identifies China's rise as an inevitable threat to U.S. preeminence, offering a rationale for strategic competition that resonates with the tariff measures aimed at curbing Beijing's economic surge.

See also: Mark Cuban Examines Trump’s Tariff Exemptions Rationale On Electronics: ‘That’s Billions Of Revenue For The USA’

Destined for War by Graham Allison

Graham Allison's "Destined for War" leans on historical precedents to illustrate how a rising power often clashes with a reigning hegemon — a scenario he dubs the "Thucydides Trap." Allison's caution that economic disputes could morph into open conflict has gained traction amid the recent battle over semiconductors, electric vehicles, and other high-stakes technologies.

A Republic, Not an Empire by Patrick J. Buchanan

Finally, Patrick J. Buchanan's "A Republic, Not an Empire" critiques the pitfalls of interventionist policies and warns against stretching the nation's military and economic resources too thin. Buchanan's call for restraint aligns with the debate over whether U.S. tariff tactics strengthen domestic industries or simply spark retaliatory moves, ultimately undermining American interests.

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