concept

protectionism

Also known as: trade protectionism

Facts (13)

Sources
History of tariffs in the United States - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia 4 facts
perspectiveMoore argues that the debates over 19th-century US tariffs were not precursors to the Civil War, but rather a continuation of the long-standing debate between free trade and protectionism.
referenceQuentin R. Skrabec's 2008 book 'William McKinley, Apostle of Protectionism' analyzes the protectionist economic policies advocated by US President William McKinley.
claimThe United States increased trade protectionism following the 2016 presidential election.
perspectiveEconomic historian Douglas Irwin argues that Alexander Hamilton’s reputation as a protectionist is overstated, noting that Hamilton favored subsidies and investment incentives over high tariffs and believed tariffs were not particularly effective in fostering industrial growth.
Tariffs and Protectionism - Economic Research Council ercouncil.org ERC Council Apr 4, 2025 4 facts
claimThe Trump administration's aggressive tariff strategy represented a shift toward overt protectionism in the 21st century, challenging the post-war consensus on trade liberalization.
claimContemporary protectionism is increasingly being used to address non-economic concerns, such as environmental sustainability, through mechanisms like 'green tariffs' or carbon border adjustments designed to level the playing field for industries with strict domestic environmental standards.
claimThe agricultural sector has remained insulated from global trade liberalization, illustrating the persistent political appeal of protectionism.
claimEmerging economies sometimes argue that temporary protectionism is necessary to develop domestic industries that are capable of competing on a global scale, a rationale historically supported by Alexander Hamilton and Friedrich List.
Strategic Rivalry between United States and China swp-berlin.org SWP 2 facts
claimEconomic competition and conflicts over trade, economic, and financial policy between the United States and China predate the protectionist course adopted by the United States under President Donald Trump.
claimUnited States trade policy has undergone a paradigmatic and political shift toward protectionism.
The Tariff Tug-of-War: A Look at Protectionism and Free Trade Over ... wita.org Washington International Trade Association Apr 29, 2025 1 fact
claimUnited States tariff policy has historically oscillated between protectionism and liberalization, reflecting broader economic and political shifts.
From Economic Cooperation to Strategic Competition - Academia.edu academia.edu Journal of Chinese Political Science 1 fact
referencePaul F. Cwik published 'The new neo-mercantilism: Currency manipulation as a form of protectionism' in Economic Affairs, volume 31, issue 3, pages 7-11, in 2011.
Research & Publications – Home - MIT Sites sites.mit.edu Michael Mehling · MIT 1 fact
perspectiveDavid M. Driesen, Michael A. Mehling, and David Popp argue that while populist politics can help advance climate goals, they also carry the risk of protectionism and require global cooperation to avoid setbacks.