Protektionismia

Protektionismia is an economic policy where a country restricts imports through methods such as tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or non-tariff barriers. The primary goal of protectionism is to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, thereby promoting their growth and employment. Proponents argue that this can foster infant industries, safeguard national security by ensuring self-sufficiency in key sectors, and prevent job losses due to cheaper foreign labor.

However, protectionist policies also face significant criticism. Opponents contend that they lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced choice, and decreased overall economic efficiency. Tariffs and quotas can provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, escalating into trade wars that harm global commerce. Furthermore, protectionism can stifle innovation by reducing the pressure of international competition and may lead to inefficient allocation of resources as protected industries become less competitive over time. The debate between free trade and protectionism remains a central theme in international economic policy discussions.