This chapter looks first at how trade stability and protectionism are explained by existing theories of collective action and interest-group politics and hegemonic-stability thesis. It then explores how the proliferation of global production has strengthened the foundations of liberal trade by giving producers a stake in trade openness given their dual status not only as producers, but also consumers of imported parts and components. The general logic is borne out by results during the Great Financial Crisis which, unlike all past crises that produced higher levels of protectionism, resulted in no major deviation from liberal trade practices.