Economics
The Political Economy of Trade Liberalization and Protectionist Backlash
Quick fact
Since 2008, countries have imposed more restrictive trade measures than liberalizing ones, marking a reversal of decades of trade liberalization that followed World War II.
Why this is interesting
We hear a lot about the benefits of free trade, yet we also witness trade wars and Brexit. Why do countries so often turn their backs on openness, even when economists warn it makes everyone richer?