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In this paper, we take a systematic look at recent trends in global protectionism and at the potential implications of a protectionist backlash for economic growth, using results from the recent economic literature and new model simulations. We find that so far the increase in actual protectionist measures to restrict trade through tariff and non‐tariff barriers has been moderate. None of the World Trade Organization (WTO) members has retreated into widespread trade restrictions or protectionism to date. At the same time, however, evidence from surveys shows that public pressure for more economic protection has been mounting since the mid‐2000s and has possibly intensified since the start of the financial crisis. Meanwhile, our model‐based simulations suggest that the impairment of the global flow of trade would hamper the recovery process from the crisis as well as the long‐term growth of the global economy. At …