Friedrich List
Friedrich List was a 19th-century German economist known for his advocacy of protectionism and the development of the national economy. He is best known for his criticism of free trade theories, arguing that they favored industrialized nations while stifling the growth of developing countries. His concept of 'kicking away the ladder' highlighted the hypocrisy of powerful nations that used protectionist policies to build their economies while denying the same to others. List's ideas influenced economic policies in Germany and beyond, contributing to debates on trade and industrialization.
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Recent news mentions
List is mentioned as someone who rejected Smith's ideas in favor of protectionist measures.
Merkantilizam nije sasvim loš, ali je u Trampovoj verziji
Montenegro· 2025-05-21
Friedrich List in Germany explicitly rejected Smithian ideas and advocated import protection to grow infant industries.
Mercantilism isn’t all bad, but Trump’s version is the worst
Guyana· 2025-05-08Friedrich List theorized protectionism as essential for nascent industries in the 19th century.
Eric Anceau : « Jules Méline est le précurseur français de Donald Trump »
France· 2025-04-20
Friedrich List described the concept of 'kicking away the ladder' in relation to imperial economic policy.
Tariffs, power and the myths of free trade – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-04-16
The 19th-century German economist Friedrich List called 'kicking away the ladder' a defining feature of imperial economic policy.
Tariffs, power and the myths of free trade – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-04-15