Question

What argument do protectionists make in favor of a protective tariff? How do opponents of a protective tariff respond?

Answer 1

Answer:

National security protectionist arguments pertain to the risk of dependency upon other nations for economic sustainability.

Economic interdependence and globalization has resulted in a system, where each country is largely dependent upon other countries for economic sustainability (though to varying degrees). This results in a substantial national security threat in the form of conflicting or offensive trade strategies between countries. Indeed, economics is often used directly as a weapon of war and conflict via trade sanctions. This highlights a critical protectionist argument pertaining to the very real risk of dependency upon other nations for economic sustainability.