I often wonder what would happen if the only constraint on buying and selling goods and services (world wide) was supply and demand.  What effect would this have on the worlds economy.

Trade restrictions,  both political and financial have long histories around the world.  Basically for as long as countries have existed.  There are no examples of unrestricted trade to examine.

Unfortunately without the benefit of real experience the argument over controlling a societies destiny based on geography becomes philosophical and emotionally entrenched.

Patriotism has a cost

Countries enable specific societal and cultural practices to be enforced within controllable boundaries.  What if these constraints did not exist?

Laws, both creation and enforcement would need to be managed worldwide.  Is this feasible without regional boundaries covering specific populational sizes and associated areas?

It has never happened so far in the history of humanity. So albeit might be a good idea, seems like something that is not going to happen organically.

For me, intuitively, removal of artificial barriers to buying and selling sets the value bar in the most realistic way.  Of course,  it eliminates the opportunities for exercise of control and power through political practices, therefore,  those in governing roles find it a hard concept to grasp.

It’s all about me

Lately on a world wide basis, whether exemplified by Brexit or Trump trade positions or Euroexit politics, people are becoming insular and focused on “it’s all about me”.

Trade is good as long as it benefits me (my country). What benefits me is probably at the detriment of others, but thats okay. What a sad attitude.

And the truly sad part is currently this view is becoming more and more popular world wide.