Final answer:
Free trade advantages countries by enhancing global productivity and living standards through comparative advantage; it counters domestic protectionist interests via international agreements, and facilitates equitable access to quality goods. Even though safety and dependency concerns exist, they can be managed while maintaining open trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
Free trade, as opposed to protectionism, has several key advantages that favor countries. First, it harnesses the principle of comparative advantage, allowing countries to specialize in the production of goods and services they can produce most efficiently. This not only leads to increased productivity on a global scale but also contributes to an improvement in the average standard of living.
Furthermore, free trade can diminish the influence of domestic special interests that seek protectionist measures. International agreements often act as a political counterbalance, preventing the enactment of more restrictive trade policies. This is crucial because it helps maintain open markets and promotes fair competition, which can lead to better and less expensive products for consumers, ultimately outweighing the losses experienced by certain sectors.
Lastly, despite concerns about safety and dependency on key imports, countries can navigate these waterways by setting appropriate standards under organizations like the World Trade Organization and strategically utilizing resources without closing off trade. Overall, free trade agreements and policies shape a connected and productive global economy that often works in favor of nations.