C. Both historical experience and the theory of C. Both historical experience and the theory of comparative advantage. Opponents of protectionism believe that free trade fosters economic growth based on historical:
evidence from countries like Britain, the United States, and Japan, which industrialized and developed rapidly through open trade. Additionally, they draw on the economic theory of comparative advantage, which that when countries specialize in producing goods they are relatively more efficient at, and trade freely, overall global productivity and wealth increase. This approach encourages resource allocation efficiency, stimulates innovation, and allows consumers access to a wider range of goods at lower prices, promoting economic development and prosperity in the long run.advantage. Opponents of protectionism believe that free trade fosters economic growth based on historical evidence from countries like Britain, the United States, and Japan, which industrialized and developed rapidly through open trade. Additionally, they draw on the economic theory of comparative advantage, which suggests that when in producing goods they are relatively more efficient at, and trade freely, overall global productivity and wealth increase. This approach encourages resource allocation efficiency, stimulates innovation, and allows consumers access to a wider range of goods at lower prices, promoting economic development and prosperity in the long run.