Models of commercial protection: a review

Protectionism has been an enduring source of international disputes since at least the nineteenth century. In the last decades, an array of nontariff barriers has created a new global phenomenon, the so-called New Protectionism, which once more shows the strength of the forces leading to the adoption of trade barriers by nations. This article aims to review representative analytical models which deal with the causes of protectionism. First, the article discusses historical political economy models and their focus on social groups, institutions and historical analysis. Second, the article addresses positive political economy models which bring organizations, interests and social actors into the framework of rational choice. JEL Classification: F13.