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Re:A Defense of libertarianism (and response to Zed, etc.) by cmac on Monday January 12, 2009 @07:28AM (#430407)
This is an interesting example but I think it's not very really helpful in understanding Libertarianism.

First let me answer your question directly: in this example, Libland is undoubtedly screwed because Xia has a monopoly on the food supply. The people of Libland would not be able to cope with this situation and they'd most likely be overrun. Sure, there will be pockets or resistance with guerrillas doggedly fighting on for years or decades, but as a state, Libland would no longer exist.

Nevertheless, I think that the example isn't helpful because of two positions:

1) The unexplained reason why Xia can produce food so cheaply. 2) That it would be uneconomical for anyone other than Xia to produce food.

In the real-world, there would be a competitor for Xia to supply food. Even if Xia started off as the only supplier, someone would realise that they could enter the market supplying food that's a little cheaper, higher quality or just a little more different. The people of Libland, knowing the dangers of relying on only one source, would then also start purchasing from the competitor _in_addition_ to Xia.

I therefore think that your hypothetical scenario wouldn't exist outside of the 'thought laboratory'.

Re:A Defense of libertarianism (and response to Zed, etc.) by gravitycop on Monday January 12, 2009 @07:52AM (#430418)
the example isn't helpful because of [...] 1) The unexplained reason why Xia can produce food so cheaply.

No explanation is needed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_advantage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_advantage

Re:A Defense of libertarianism (and response to Zed, etc.) by cmac on Monday January 12, 2009 @11:48AM (#430675)
Well, I think an explanation in real-world terms is needed, not theoretical definitions. For example:

1) Does Xia have better climatic conditions? If so, why wouldn't neighbouring countries have similar conditions to become a viable competitor?

2) Do the have better packing and transportation technology? If so, why can't another country develop/buy/steal the technology?

3) Etc, etc.

Hence, my point is that the imposed constraints may not normally exist.

Re:A Defense of libertarianism (and response to Zed, etc.) by gravitycop on Wednesday January 14, 2009 @11:41AM (#433835)
Interestingly, substituting gas for food, this very scenario is playing out while we speak. http://news.google.com/news?q=ukraine+gas+crisis