Triffin Dilemma
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
The dilemma proposed by Robert Triffin: under the Bretton Woods system, the US dollar served as the international reserve currency, and the United States had to provide dollar liquidity to the world through trade deficits, but long-term trade deficits would weaken the value of the dollar and threaten the stability of the system. Scaffolding role: analysis of the international monetary system. It explains why a single national currency as an international reserve currency has inherent contradictions. In understanding international monetary system reform and the development of digital currencies, it provides an important perspective for analyzing the fragility of the current system.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Analysis of the international monetary system. It explains why a single national currency as an international reserve currency has inherent contradictions. In understanding international monetary system reform and the development of digital currencies, it provides an important perspective for analyzing the fragility of the current system.
Anchor fast decisions
When a single national currency simultaneously serves as the global reserve currency, there is a fundamental conflict between meeting global liquidity needs and maintaining the stability of the currency's value. The mechanism is 'supplying liquidity → the US must run deficits → weakening confidence in the dollar'.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%89%B9%E9%87%8C%E8%8A%AC%E5%85%A9%E9%9B%A3verified
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