LONDON — A government's first duty is to protect its citizens. So say all the authorities and experts. It sounds simple, but in practice and in real life it is a very complex and problematic matter.
For example, should a government take steps to protect the jobs of its workers from foreign competition? Should it prohibit foreign workers altogether when jobs are scarce? Should a government give special state aid to an ailing sector or industry?
Should a government deliberately devalue, or hold down, its currency so as to gain an export advantage over others? Should a government urge its citizens to buy home-produced goods? Should it raise high barriers against imported goods from countries with lower health and labor standards, or which refuse to restrict carbon emissions?
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.