It is one of the most fatal illusions that, by…
“It is one of the most fatal illusions that, by substituting negotiations between states or organized groups for competition for markets or for raw materials, international friction would be reduced. This would merely put a contest of force in the place of what can only metaphorically be called the "struggle" of competition and would transfer to powerful and armed states, subject to no superior law, the rivalries which between individuals had to be decided without recourse to force.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Replacing market competition with state negotiation merely shifts conflict to a different arena, not eliminating it.
In simple terms: Swapping markets for politics doesn’t end rivalry.
Key Takeaway
Seek balanced competition.
Themes
economics
politics
conflict
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- trade policy
- international relations
- regulation
- resource allocation
Key Concepts
libertarianism
institutional analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Can markets be reformed without state control?
- What safeguards prevent new power struggles?
A Different Perspective
State negotiations can become opaque and biased.