[sprafa]

I am absolutely honest about that. Those weird vocal people weren't born that way - they became disenchanted with a system that has failed them and failed to make their lives better. If political radicals are the only ones who propose solutions that make sense they will vote for political radicals.

economists and experts keep telling them that they're "wrong" to blame free trade or immigration (just like the linked article). Even though most competent economists would actually say, like you said, that free trade is not beneficial to everyone everywhere.

To answer your question directly yes I think the economics of the system must include the "externality" of the discontent it generates in populations.

It seems like you're saying that although some people might lose their jobs and see their earning potential collapse, free trade is "more efficient" for some majority (+50%) of the population therefore it is good. I would say whatever benefits that come to the majority doesnt really balance out with the suffering of those left with their wellbeing destroyed. Their backlash against the system that destroyed their livelihoods is only natural.

markets are supposed to serve us, and our societal wellbeing. If they fail do that, in my view, they are a failure.