Strategies and dynamics of economic development and international trade: Theoretical, political and protectionist perspectives

Duche-Pérez A.B.; Gutiérrez-Aguilar O.A.; Vera-Revilla C.Y. · Revista de Ciencias Sociales (2025)

Resumen

Economic development has been central to the analysis of structural transformations and changes in international trade. Its study provides an understanding of how economies face challenges, adopt policies, and adapt to new global scenarios. This article aimed to analyze, from theoretical and empirical perspectives, the impact of protectionist policies on economic development and international trade. To this end, a documentary review of academic sources and specialized studies addressing both growth theories and the dynamics of global trade was used. The results identified the relevance of Schumpeter’s (1939) theory of “creative destruction,” Vázquez’s (2018) vision of local growth and structural change, as well as Sanchis’s (1995) perspective on adaptive capacity in the face of opportunities and crises. It was demonstrated how trade policies, integrated at the national and local levels, can strengthen economic development, also analyzing productive restructuring as a response to business cycles and the spatial integration of the market as an indicator of efficiency. It is concluded that, although protectionist policies can offer temporary solutions, their misuse can generate economic distortions, so their application must be strategic and evaluated based on their impacts.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María