Most states, for all their rhetoric in favour of free trade, are adept at trying to manipulate markets to protect and advantage their own producers.
This quote highlights a common paradox in international trade policies. While nations often claim to support free trade and open markets, in practice they strive to shield their domestic industries from competition through various protective measures. This behavior reflects the tension between ideological commitment to free markets and the economic interests of domestic stakeholders. It underscores how economic nationalism can sometimes overshadow genuine free trade principles, resulting in strategic interventions that distort the ideal of fair, open competition. Recognizing this dynamic is essential for understanding the complexities within global trade negotiations and the challenges in achieving truly liberalized markets.
