Distortions in the trade policy for development debate: A re-examination of Friedrich List

This paper re-examines the works of Friedrich List and argues that he had a vision of how to promote economic and social development from the initial state of an advanced agricultural society that has been distorted in the trade policy for development debate. It shows that his vision is much broader than the orthodox label of ‘protectionism’ conveys. He thus proposed many methods of promoting development, cautioned and suggested measures against the drawbacks of protection, and emphasised exports. It is hoped that this paper will contribute to the debate on the wisdom behind the current push toward trade liberalisation.