Consequences and effectiveness of the application of discriminatory measures against key segments and players of the global market
The ongoing process of globalization, the growing integration of economic markets at the international level and the reduction of any borders for trade force countries to protect their markets. The development of free trade has always kept pace with the processes of globalization, but since the 1970s it has taken on a slightly different shape. Currently, one of the main goals of many countries is to create an enabling environment to remove any possible barriers to international trade. The number of bilateral and regional free trade agreements is constantly increasing. However, during economic crises, when countries are experiencing a decline in GDP and rising unemployment, even many strong supporters of free trade make a significant number of arguments in favor of protectionist policies, especially in immature economies that may not be ready for global competition. The issue of free trade and protectionism, as well as the extent to which they coexist and balance optimally, remains a major challenge for policy makers. The use of traditional means of protection is aimed at preserving the domestic market of the country. At the same time, such precautions lead to a violation of the balance of interests when it comes to relations with countries with which there are mutual economic relations, since these countries, in turn, can set similar own tariffs on their part. As a rule, states apply protectionist policies through the thesis of national security, the thesis of new and developing industries, strategic trade policy, inequality of conditions, using arguments in favor of environmental protection, etc.