Protectionism, defined as the deliberate intervention of the State in trade with the purpose of giving domestic producers an advantage over foreign competitors, remains a key feature of global trade policy. Its recent resurgence, particularly in the U.S., reflects a broader rethinking of liberal trade norms among advanced economies. While free trade remains the dominant narrative, both emerging and industrialized countries continue to adopt protectionist measures, albeit for different reasons. Emerging economies often use them to support industrialization and job creation, whereas advanced economies deploy them to defend strategic sectors or respond to geopolitical and technological shifts. This paper compares the rationales, targets, and tools of protectionism across these contexts, drawing on cases from South Korea, Japan, the U.S., and African nations, and concludes with policy recommendations for more effective and strategic implementation.

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