A neglected aspect of regional trade agreements (RTAs) is their protectionist potential. In times of a stagnating World … protectionism under the guise of free trade. For this, the paper proposes an ideal-type free trade agreement benchmark model based … classical liberal ideal of totally free trade and have a high content of back door protectionism suitable to raise trade …

political opposition to his protectionism is formidable, so are his conviction and determination and he possesses a wide array … must be adjusted to minimize the damage to world trade. …