Protection and Communism

by Frédéric Bastiat

"Protection and Communism" by Frédéric Bastiat is a political and economic treatise written in the mid-19th century. This book presents an impassioned defense of free trade, arguing against the economic principle of protectionism and drawing parallels to the theories of communism. The text articulates concerns over how governmental policies that favor certain industries can lead to broader societal injustices, undermining property rights and encouraging a form of collectivism detrimental to individual liberty. In "Protection and Communism," Bastiat critiques the practice of protectionism, suggesting that it effectively equates to a form of communism. He asserts that both systems are grounded in the violation of property rights; while protectionism aims to shield certain sectors of the economy at the expense of others, communism distributes wealth under the guise of equality. Throughout the work, Bastiat employs logical arguments and socio-economic examples to illustrate the detrimental effects of protectionist policies, ultimately advocating for a society where free trade reigns and individuals can freely exchange goods, thereby fostering prosperity for all. The book encourages readers to recognize the interplay between market freedom and social order, warning against the government’s role in manipulating economic relationships.