Abstract
Many Western populist political leaders have risen to prominence in their countries on an anti-globalisation, anti-trade and anti-foreign platform. Free trade is no longer in favour. Instead, populist agendas of protectionism and nationalist, inward-looking policies are the order of the day. Opposition to trade and trade agreements has increased. In this paper the following issues are examined: populism, free trade, opposition to trade, the benefits of free trade and the costs of protectionism.