Protektionistiset

Protektionistiset is a Finnish term that translates to "protectionist" or "protectionist policies." It refers to economic policies that aim to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. These policies typically involve imposing tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or other trade barriers on imported goods. The primary goal of protectionism is to safeguard jobs and businesses within a country by making imported products less competitive and encouraging the consumption of domestically produced goods and services.

Arguments in favor of protectionist policies often center on the idea of nurturing infant industries, protecting national security by ensuring domestic production of essential goods, and preventing job losses due to cheaper foreign labor. Proponents may also argue that protectionism can help improve a country's trade balance by reducing imports.

However, protectionist measures are also subject to criticism. Opponents argue that these policies can lead to higher prices for consumers, reduce consumer choice, and invite retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially escalating into trade wars. Critics also contend that protectionism can stifle innovation and efficiency by shielding domestic industries from the competitive pressures that drive improvement. The debate between free trade and protectionism is a long-standing one in economic theory and practice.