About this book
Frédéric Bastiat's *Sophisms of the Protectionists* exposes the deceptive arguments used to justify trade barriers and industrial protection. Writing in the tradition of classical political economy, the French economist and statesman dismantles fallacious reasoning with wit and clarity, revealing how protectionist policies ultimately harm consumers and society despite promises of prosperity. Through repeated application of logical analysis, Bastiat demonstrates that those who advocate for trade restrictions must first deceive the public to gain support.
This landmark work, translated from the 1863 Paris edition, comprises four essential sections: two series of protection sophisms that examine common economic misconceptions, followed by explorations of spoliation, law, capital, and interest. Rather than presenting abstract theory, Bastiat employs practical examples and accessible language to show how protective tariffs benefit special interests at the expense of ordinary people.
Written during the nineteenth-century debates over free trade versus protectionism, these essays remain strikingly relevant to modern economic policy discussions. Bastiat's arguments for economic liberty and against government-enforced monopolies continue to resonate with readers seeking to understand the true costs of trade restrictions.
Ideal for students of economics, policy advocates, and anyone curious about the intellectual foundations of free-market thought, this audiobook offers timeless insights into how economic fallacies gain traction and why sound reasoning matters in public debate.
