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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: A Protectionist Bias in Majoritarian Politics

Author(s): Gene M. Grossman and Elhanan Helpman

Publication Date: September 2005

Keyword(s): comparative politics, party discipline, Trade policy and tyranny of the majority

Programme Area(s): International Trade and Regional Economics

Abstract: We develop a novel model of campaigns, elections, and policymaking in which the ex ante objectives of national party leaders differ from the ex post objectives of elected legislators. This generates a distinction between "policy rhetoric" and "policy reality" and introduces an important role for "party discipline" in the policymaking process. We identify a protectionist bias in majoritarian politics. When trade policy is chosen by the majority delegation and legislators in the minority have limited means to influence choices, the parties announce trade policies that favor specific factors, and the expected tariff or export subsidy is positive. Positions and expected outcomes monotonically approach free trade as party discipline strengthens.

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Bibliographic Reference

Grossman, G and Helpman, E. 2005. 'A Protectionist Bias in Majoritarian Politics'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=5238