[quote=@catchamber] They can remain self sufficient by exploiting the easily accessible natural resources, and applying them in ways that remove the need for them to purchase goods and services from other parties. Gasoline and fresh water will be available to anyone with the right technologies, especially if those systems are capable of being built using raw materials available in the area. I'm also aware that international waters aren't law-free zones. Yeah, but I did say "most folks obviously don't have the means or inclinations to live that way". God no. World wars are catastrophic wastes of precious resources. [/quote] [quote=@Didgeridont] I think he meant this in the sense that war can allow nations to accrue very powerful economic and military hegemony over certain areas, essentially leading to a net increase in the resources at their disposal. [/quote] No, I was being sarcastic, hoping to stress that some countries don't give a shit about kill-counts so long as it furthers their prosperity. Which, I personally do not think is very nice.