Think and Drink: The Forever Trade War and What It Means for Kansas City

The trade war has become the new normal. Drawing on original Trade War Lab survey research, attendees will learn how businesses in our region are navigating tariffs, uncertainty, supply chain shifts, and the politics of U.S.-China competition. Data from the Trade War Lab 2025 Tariff Impact Survey shows that many firms say tariffs hurt them, but relatively few take political action in response. Is the securitization of trade policy why costly and ineffective trade policies persist in this country? Come and see how the KU Trade War Lab conducts timely, regionally relevant research to help Kansas City businesses, associations, and policymakers make sense of a complex and rapidly changing trade landscape.

Guest Speaker: Jack Zhang, PhD

Jack Zhang is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Trade War Lab at the University of Kansas (KU). He is a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member and a Public Intellectual Fellow with the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. He received his PhD from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and was a postdoctoral research fellow at Princeton University prior to joining the faculty at KU. His research explores the political economy of trade and conflict in East Asia.

This free Think & Drink lecture is open to all ESU members and the public, but RSVP is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you RSVP.

When: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

Tickets: Free admission but RSVP is required. Click here and scroll down to August 6 to RSVP.

About Think & Drink Lecture Series:

Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.