Friedrich List

Friedrich List was a German economist from the 19th century who believed that countries should focus on developing their own industries to become strong and competitive globally. He argued that protecting young industries through policies like tariffs (taxes on imports) helps them grow and eventually thrive on the world stage. Unlike free trade advocates, List emphasized the importance of strategic national planning and industrialization, especially for emerging economies. His ideas highlight that government support can play a vital role in a country’s economic development, balancing international competition with nurturing domestic industries.