THE EVOLUTION OF DOMINANT PARADIGMS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY

Abstract

Introduction. The current transformation of the global economic system is accompanied by intensified geo-economic competition, structural shifts in the international division of labour, and a review of the principles governing the functioning of the international trading system. In scientific research, international trade policy is interpreted as a dynamic category that changes under the influence of the evolution of the world economy, the balance of interests of states, and the transformation of the institutional environment. Throughout history, there has been a consistent change in the dominant paradigms of international trade regulation — from the mercantilist model of strict state intervention to classical liberalism, further institutionalisation within a multilateral system, and contemporary manifestations of neo-protectionism. The growth of asymmetries in market access, the intensification of trade disputes, and the integration of trade policy with the security and technological strategies of states necessitate a comprehensive rethinking of the evolution of the dominant paradigms of international trade policy. In this regard, it is important to study the patterns of transformation of trade regulation instruments and changes in the functional role of the state in the context of the geo-economic fragmentation of the global economy.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to provide a theoretical substantiation of the evolution of the dominant paradigms of international trade policy through the systematization of scientific approaches to their formation and transformation, identification of patterns in the changing role of the state and the instruments of trade regulation, as well as determination of the specific features of the contemporary paradigm under conditions of geoeconomic fragmentation of the world economy, which makes it possible to comprehensively understand the trends in the development of the international trading system.

Materials and methods. The materials of the study include: 1) works of domestic and foreign scholars devoted to the theory of international trade, the evolution of trade policy, and issues of protectionism and neo-protectionism; 2) academic research highlighting institutional, geoeconomic, and paradigm-based approaches to the analysis of the transformation of the international trading system; 3) analytical materials concerning the functioning of the multilateral trading system and current trends in the development of the world economy. The following scientific methods were used in the research process: historical and logical analysis (to identify the stages in the evolution of dominant paradigms of international trade policy and determine the sequence of their change); theoretical generalization and grouping (to systematize the characteristics of the main paradigms of international trade regulation); analysis and synthesis (to examine the transformation of the role of the state and trade regulation instruments); comparative analysis (to compare classical and modern approaches to international trade policy); and logical generalization of results (to formulate the conclusions of the study).  

Results. The article systematizes the dominant paradigms of international trade policy and identifies their key characteristics, taking into account changes in objectives, regulatory instruments, and the role of the state in governing international trade. The main stages of development are distinguished — from the mercantilist model to classical liberalism, institutional coordination, and contemporary forms of neo-protectionism — establishing the logic of their successive transformation. It is substantiated that the change of paradigms follows a non-linear, spiral pattern, manifested in the periodic reproduction of protectionist elements at a qualitatively new level of regulation. It is demonstrated that the current stage is characterized by the integration of trade policy with security, technological, and industrial strategies of states, which leads to intensified geoeconomic fragmentation and the formation of asymmetric models of international interaction. The obtained results deepen the understanding of the patterns underlying the evolution of international trade policy, define the specific features of the contemporary regulatory paradigm, and provide a theoretical foundation for further research on transformations of the global trading system.

Discussion. Further research should focus on an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms driving the transformation of contemporary international trade policy under conditions of geoeconomic fragmentation, particularly regarding the assessment of the impact of neo-protectionist instruments on the structure of global value chains and the competitiveness of national economies. This will contribute to the development of scientifically grounded approaches to adapting state trade policies to the increasing instability of the global economy.