Protectionism
Plain definition
Government policies that shield domestic industries from foreign competition -- including tariffs, import quotas, subsidies, and non-tariff barriers such as safety standards used to block imports.
In economics
The infant-industry and national-security arguments are the most respected justifications for protectionism, but economists warn it raises consumer prices, shelters inefficiency, and invites retaliation. Protectionism is usually contrasted with free trade in policy debates and exam questions.
Example
France historically used subsidies, quotas, and strict product standards to protect its farmers and cultural industries from cheaper foreign competition.
Protectionism is sometimes equated with tariffs alone. Tariffs are just one tool -- subsidies, quotas, buy-domestic rules, and discriminatory regulations all count as protectionism even when no tax is levied at the border.