Chapter 21: Q 53. (page 523)
Economists sometimes say that protectionism is
the 鈥渟econd-best鈥 choice for dealing with any particular problem. What they mean is that there is often a policy choice that is more direct or effective for dealing with the problem鈥攁 choice that would still allow the benefits of trade to occur. Explain why protectionism is a 鈥渟econd-best鈥 choice for:
a. helping workers as a group
b. helping industries stay strong
c. protecting the environment
d. advancing national defense
Short Answer
Protectionism is a safety policy.