I do feel "protectionism" is not something the USA engages in nearly as much as people percieve. Example - we sell a motorcycle to China there is a 30% tariff (that is huge) however if China sells a motorcycle to the USA there is zero tax. USA is getting screwed on trade - Reciprocal Trade is Fair Trade.
When it comes to IP - easy to say 'let it all go' however the USA spends $billions on R&D only to have it stolen within months or years. China, India, Russia, Japan etc. can easily say advancements should be open and free - but the USA, once again, pays the bill. Less companies want to invest in R&D in many fields now as they fear being unable to recoup costs.
RE: Intellectual Property and the Free Market