free markets are indeed powerful, so no argument with your first paragraph.
I do quibble about Siddarmark; while much of the western provinces has been destroyed, the republic's core is still intact and functioning well, though changes to adapt to the new circumstances are obvious and expected.
In regards to Dohlar, I doubt we'd have this much face time with Thirsk and Ahlverez if they weren't just going to survive but become even more important, who along with the Duke of Fern would make a great regency team for whichever of Rahnyld's younger uncorrupted sons that can pass the 'ain't like his dad' test.
How much of Dohlar they get to keep is another interesting question.
Regarding Silkiah, yes its familiar with Charis and Siddarmark in terms of markets, but it still has serfs, a grand duke, and an aristocracy of sorts so it has some stumbling blocks to overcome if they aren't eliminated as part of the treaty joining the allies.
Will some of those ex-serfs move the short distance to western Siddarmark to become citizens in their own right?
But how many Siddamarkians will ever truly trust any 'foreigner' after the SoS stab in the back?
L
PeterZ wrote:Voluntary exchange is a concept Milton Friedman describes in Capitalism and Freedom. It emphasizes both parties of an exchange reaching a voluntary agreement based on a clear understanding of what is being exchanged. Things like a company store, monopolies, deceptive advertising and threats compelling a participant would inhibit voluntary exchange.
Now which nations are most likely to embrace innovation? I suspect the three that have the biggest incentive to do so are Siddermark, Silkiah and Dohlar. Siddermark has had its social structure destroyed. It is rebuilding in many case from nothing. It needs to revive its economy or face another round of foreign aggression. It is easier to embrace the new ways because the old ways have been destroyed in many parts of Siddermark. There is nothing resisting being displaced.
The same might soon be said of Dohlar. After the KH VIIs flatten Gorath and send those aristorats scurrying to safety and the RSA destroys the RDA, there might well be a vacuum. Whatever/whoever replaces the old guard has a powerful incentive to establish a new order that depends on the new government. That argues for the new government finding the most effective way to produce things and the heck with the old aristos and guildmasters.
Silkiah will be under Chraisian influence because of the Salthar-Silktown Canal. Charis will get access to it after this phase of the war no matter the outcome. That access will also mean ensuring that access. That sort of exposure will bleed innovative tendencies into Silkiah.
