The United States has enough varied resources to be one of the few countries that might manage an autarkic economy. Achieving that degree of self-sufficiency and isolation would still require sacrifices that Americans might be unwilling to accept. It would also abandon an unusually advantageous position in the global economy. Having the resources for autarky does not establish that withdrawal would be economically or politically attractive.
Notable Point · 3:22:42-3:24:25
The United States could pursue autarky only by abandoning major advantages
American resources might make deep self-sufficiency possible, but leaving the global economy would sacrifice a position already delivering substantial power and prosperity.