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Abstract

The primary aim of this article was to posit an analytical perspective on the ideational debate between free trade and trade protection using the framework of multilateral trade liberalization. This goal was achieved by the first laying down the foundational assumptions and arguments of the multilateral trade liberalization theory in the first section of the paper. This part of the paper is important since it illustrates the theoretical underpinnings of the theory using an inter-textual approach. This method draws critical ideas from the literature with the view of producing analysis on the debate between free trade and trade protection. The second section compares and contrasts the arguments and assertions on free trade and trade protection in consonance with the case of the World Trade Organization. An extensive but incisive analysis is discussed in the third section of the paper portraying free trade protection under the multilateral trade liberalization framework. Then a concluding part argues defects and challenges confronting the World Trade Organization (WTO) as it pushes for bilateral and regional agreements in many parts of the world.

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