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The Age That Forgot 'Zeus's Law': Broken Trade Norms Echo Ancient Tragedies

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • The article draws a parallel between the ancient Greek concept of 'Xenia' (hospitality, Zeus's law) and modern international trade norms, both based on mutual respect and predictable rules.
  • It argues that the breakdown of these rules, exemplified by the U.S. imposing unilateral tariffs and reneging on agreements, leads to chaos and uncertainty, akin to the destruction caused by broken promises in ancient myths.
  • The author suggests that the U.S.'s actions, driven by a focus on national interest over established norms, are creating a 'boomerang effect,' damaging alliances and its own economy, echoing the tragic consequences faced by those who violate fundamental principles.

Director Christopher Nolan's film 'The Odyssey' opens with a scene where Odysseus makes a sound before shooting an arrow, a gesture of fairness to warn the prey of impending attack. This act, a courtesy in hunting, reflects a deeper principle: that even in moments of certain victory, established procedures and respect for the opponent must be maintained. This adherence to rules, rather than magic, governs the film's narrative, much like the ancient Greek concept of 'Xenia.'

Xenia, referred to in the film as 'Zeus's Law,' is rooted in the Golden Rule: 'Treat others as you would like to be treated.' Ancient Greeks offered food and shelter to strangers regardless of their status, expecting in return that guests would respect their hosts' domain. This practice was not just about hospitality; it was a recognition of shared humanity and a hedge against future vulnerability, as today's host could be tomorrow's traveler.

The principle that even when victory is certain, there are procedures that must be followed.

— Kim Gyeong-wookDescribing the ancient Greek concept of adherence to rules, as seen in the film 'The Odyssey'.

The film's tragedies stem from the violation of these rules. Paris's abduction of Helen, the Spartan queen, served as a pretext for the Trojan War. The Trojan Horse, a symbol of trust used as a weapon, ultimately led to the destruction of Troy. The film focuses not on the warrior's triumph, but on the perpetrator's remorse as he navigates the ruins of a civilization he helped destroy, highlighting the dire consequences of shattering sacred bonds.

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

— Ancient Greek proverbThe core principle of Xenia, or Zeus's Law, mentioned in the article.

This destruction of Xenia and the resulting tragedies are not confined to ancient myths. The 'breach of promises' and 'collapse of trust' create chaos in today's global economy and trade landscape. Just as Xenia ensured the survival of travelers and city-states, modern 'universal trade norms and mutual trust' have played a similar role. However, the erosion of these norms has led to a brutal reality dominated by the law of the jungle.

The author draws a parallel between the ancient Greeks who paid the price of war and ruin for breaking rules and the current era, which is incurring the immense cost of 'uncertainty' due to the loss of these rules. The U.S.'s unilateral tariff hikes and broken agreements with allies like South Korea have shattered the predictability essential for trade. While South Korea strives to maintain the agreed-upon 15% tariff cap, the greater concern is the unpredictability of future agreements. The U.S. is even demanding investments and supply chain shifts to protect its industries, placing nations like South Korea in a precarious position, like prey awaiting an arrow.

The U.S.'s unilateral tariff increase and reversal of agreements have completely shaken the predictability that is the basis of trade.

— Kim Gyeong-wookCommenting on the impact of U.S. trade policies on international norms.

However, the U.S.'s indiscriminate use of power, disregarding basic rules and respect, is creating a boomerang effect. Canada's retaliatory tariffs are a prime example. The arrogance of believing unilateral power can subdue opponents is shattering long-standing alliances and burdening the U.S. economy itself. The film's warning, that those who break rules and forget consideration for others ultimately face the ruins they create, seems to hold true in reality.

The U.S.'s trade arrows, shot indiscriminately without even the minimum rules or consideration for the other party, are in some cases heading back towards themselves as boomerangs.

— Kim Gyeong-wookAnalyzing the negative consequences of the U.S.'s aggressive trade policies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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