Adam Smith’s theory was something to shoot for not an actual accomplishment. The establishments profited from Protectionism hence were bitterly opposed to it.
Your last comment is just a Straw Man not a relevant or intelligent one.
“Your last comment is just a Straw Man not a relevant or intelligent one.”
Given your concession that Smithsonian Free Trade has never been accomplished, I assert my last comment is the ONLY relevant or intelligent commentary on this subject.
So, I’ll post it again for your edification:
“And if folks want to take down all defenses to all the other Mercantilists, they are just stupid, or suicidal, or both.”