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Protectionism refers to government policies or laws that protect domestic industries from foreign competition. This can be done through tariffs, import quotas, subsidies for domestic industries, or other trade barriers. On the other hand, free trade means that goods and services can be traded between countries with few or no restrictions or barriers.

There are several reasons why countries would promote protectionist laws. Some of these reasons include: 1. Protecting domestic industries: Protectionist policies shield domestic industries from competition, allowing them to grow, invest in innovation, and create jobs for citizens. 2. National security: Some nations might promote protectionist laws to protect strategic industries that are critical to national security, such as defense, energy, and technology sectors. 3. Addressing trade imbalances: Countries may implement protectionist measures to reduce trade deficit and balance their trade with other countries. 4. Political/populist reasons: Protectionist laws might also be promoted for political reasons when politicians want to appeal to a certain demographic of voters that desires domestic industries to be protected.

Countries negotiate for freer trade internationally due to various reasons. Some of the reasons include: 1. Access to new markets: Freer trade allows countries to access new markets for their goods and services, which can lead to increased export revenues and economic growth. 2. Access to cheaper goods: By removing trade barriers, consumers can gain access to cheaper goods and services from other countries, resulting in a higher standard of living. 3. Promoting economic growth: Free trade promotes economic growth by encouraging efficiency and specialization, allowing countries to focus on the industries in which they have a comparative advantage. 4. Fostering global cooperation: Freer trade leads to increased economic interdependence between nations, fostering cooperative relationships and reducing the likelihood of conflict.

Countries may promote protectionist laws while also negotiating for freer trade internationally because they try to balance the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches. This paradox can be explained by considering that different industries and sectors within a country may benefit from either protectionism or free trade depending on their comparative advantage, market conditions, and political climate. Moreover, countries might also be seeking to strike a balance between their short-term and long-term economic goals. The short-term benefits of protectionist policies, such as protecting domestic industries and jobs, might be outweighed by the long-term benefits of freer trade, such as increased economic growth and global cooperation. Thus, while countries may promote protectionist laws domestically to address immediate concerns, they continue to negotiate for freer trade internationally to secure long-term prosperity.