"The argument is favor of free trade has always been that it results in maximum competition, therefore maximum efficiency of production, therefore reduction of prices, and ultimately benefits to the consumer. The argument in favor of protectionism has always been that free trade has very negative consequences for various national economic situations, both in the short run and the long run," writes Immanuel Wallerstein. But ambiguities develop when powerful countries proclaim the virtues of free trade whether the Dutch vs England and France in the 17th century or the US vs Europe today.