Expert warns of emerging ‘economic Cold War’ as global tensions grow

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 13, 2026 (KPT) — A Cambodian economist has warned that intensifying rivalry between major powers could signal the onset of an “economic Cold War,” reshaping global trade and investment patterns.

Speaking at a roundtable on “World order in the new context,” Ky Sereyvath, researcher and lecturer, said the current environment points to economic confrontation rather than the geopolitical standoffs of the past.

“The world is entering a Cold War in economic terms rather than purely geopolitical competition among superpowers,” he said.

Sereyvath noted that countries are increasingly forming blocs to strengthen trade partnerships and supply chains, a trend he said could redraw the geography of the global economy.

He pointed to growing tensions between the United States and China, particularly over tariffs and trade policies.

Washington’s measures against Chinese goods, he said, were aimed at reducing competitiveness, intensifying rivalry between the two powers.

Smaller economies, he cautioned, may face uncertainty and heightened competition as global tariff disputes ripple through markets.