What economic system aims to increase a nation's success through regulating trade and using tariffs?

The economic system that aims to increase a nation's success through regulating trade and utilizing tariffs is mercantilism. This system was predominant in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries and is characterized by the belief that a nation's strength is directly associated with its wealth, particularly in gold and silver.

Mercantilist policies often involve the government heavily regulating the economy, including encouraging exports and limiting imports through tariffs and trade restrictions. This approach is intended to achieve a favorable balance of trade, ensuring that more money flows into the country than flows out. By controlling trade and the flow of resources, mercantilism seeks to enhance national power and economic stability.

In contrast, capitalism focuses on private ownership and free markets, feudalism is a system based on land ownership and social hierarchy, and socialism emphasizes collective ownership of resources. These other economic systems do not prioritize the same level of government regulation over trade as mercantilism does.