Protectionism as a Catalyst for Development: How Strategic State Intervention Empowers Developing Nations
The doctrine of free trade, championed by Adam Smith and David Ricardo, has long been heralded as the cornerstone of global economic prosperity. Yet, the historical and contemporary trajectories of developing nations reveal that protectionism—state-led policies to shield domestic industries and foster economic growth —often serves as a more effective strategy for overcoming structural disadvantages. Free trade assumes a level playing field, but developing nations face technological gaps, capital shortages, and unequal market access. This essay argues that protectionism, when strategically implemented, enables developing nations to build competitive industries, enhance economic sovereignty, and achieve sustainable growth . By examining the 19th-century protectionist successes of the United States and Chile, alongside modern examples from Japan, South Korea, China, India, Brazil, and Ethiopia, and drawing on insights from thinkers like Friedrich List and Ha-Joon Chang, this essay challe...