It was almost exactly 200 years ago that David Ricardo first outlined the principle of comparative advantage that helped lay the groundwork for repealing the corn laws here in Britain, and the free-trading consensus that later emerged. But free trade is coming under attack around the world – since the FC especially, tariffs and protectionism have become the ‘new normal’.

Joining us today is the IEA’s Head of Research Dr Jamie Whyte, who reminds us of the basic arguments for free trade and takes a look at where and why free trade is coming under attack. Finally, he examines why there are so many common misperceptions about free trade – with many people having a false sense that there must always be ‘winners and losers’ in all forms of exchange.