The nations of tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum do not trust each other. tweedle-dee is convinced that if it lowers its trade barriers, tweedle-dum will not lower its barriers. therefore, tweedle-dee keeps its trade barriers high. this is an example of the argument in favor of protectionism.

Tweedle- dee fears a threat of retaliation from Tweedle- dum.

Explanation:

This protectionism argument centers on the fact that one party will try to affect the other if it feels that this first party affected them in the first place.

Retaliation means carrying a harmful act towards another in response to them carrying out a harmful act towards you.

In this example we can see that Tweedle- dee decides to maintain his trade barriers high, in order to avoid what he believes to be retaliation on Tweedle- dum's behalf.

"choosing is refusing" means individuals face an opportunity cost with each decision they make. economists state that every decision involves trade-offs. opportunity cost is the least desirable alternative given up as a result of a decision.