Even the underlying idea (essentially mercantilism) is questionable. While it can clearly benefit certain special interests (hence its popularity), it simply c

Even the underlying idea (essentially mercantilism) is questionable. While it can clearly benefit certain special interests (hence its popularity), it simply cannot benefit a whole society on net. Rather than repeat the whole argument, I'll just cite Adam Smith (a guy who was much more moderate than often portrayed by modern partisans), who showed in no uncertain terms that subsidies and tariffs make a nation poorer.