Seeking to avoid exposure to the dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the head of the new White House National Trade Council has requested a legal analysis from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to clarify the unilateral trade measures the U.S. might take to punish foreign trade partners for alleged unfair trade practices. This indicates a willingness of the Administration to engage in a form of brinkmanship on trade that could generate a ripple effect around the world.