Comércio exterior e desenvolvimento econômico: o protecionismo em debate

Abstract

The study presents the general aspects of the current debate on protectionism and economic growth of developing countries. Herein, I analyze ideas of authors who argues that the concept of free market and the comparative advantages should guide economic development, thus not accepting the use of protectionist practices. Contrary to these ideas, I go on, reviewing the work of authors as Ha-Joon Chang (2002 and 2008) and Bresser Pereira (2010), who advocate the use of protectionist policies for economic and industrial development. I relate the actual data of the Brazilian trade balance and the industrial situation of this country, conducting a brief exam about the matter, in the light of the authors mentioned above, among others. The research has a theoretical-bibliographical character, aiming to contribute to the current debate about the relationship between protectionism and industrial development of the countries in general.