Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP7494
Authors: Simon J. Evenett
Abstract: Drawing upon a comprehensive database of contemporary protectionism, this paper offers an initial assessment of the extent to which our understanding of protectionism may have to evolve. While some long-standing features of protectionism appear to have endured (such as the distribution of discriminatory measures across economic sectors), specific corporate needs arising from the global financial crisis and particular national attributes are more likely to have influenced the choice of beggar-thy-neighbor policy instruments than binding trade rules and other international accords.
Keywords: Discrimination; Economic Crisis; Protectionism
JEL Codes: F02; F13; F59
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Lack of aggressive monetary and fiscal policies (E63) | Greater reliance on protectionism (F52) |
| Organizational changes in firms due to outsourcing (L24) | Reluctance to raise tariffs on intermediate goods (F14) |
| Corporate interests targeting foreign competitors (F23) | Selectively targeting foreign firms (F23) |
| Financial crisis necessitating direct interventions (F65) | Preference for financial assistance over traditional trade remedies (F13) |