I agree with you that permanent protectionism is usually a sign of regulatory capture and cronyism. The "default" should be to let free market competition do i

I agree with you that permanent protectionism is usually a sign of regulatory capture and cronyism. The "default" should be to let free market competition do its work. Protectionist policies should ideally be temporary, targeted measures; for example, as a response to the policy of a rival, or to build up a specific industry. Again, there is no sacred doctrine here. Market competition usually produces some good incentives, but the invisible hand of the market is not the hand of God and from time to time it needs a nudge.