1b) I think i'd say that it is both path-dependent and also the simple lack of variation (as in any evolving system) produces poorer results with respect to lon

1b) I think i'd say that it is both path-dependent and also the simple lack of variation (as in any evolving system) produces poorer results with respect to long-term innovation and sustainability. If I had to venture a guess as to why this didn't happen with the west, i'd say it's because we were first. It was easy for us to transition into new markets because there were no established players already doing it better - making a shitty car is a great business if everyone else is riding horses. 2. Ya, that's fair. But I think it's a pretty huge caveat to "free trade is good" to have to say "free trade is good on the whole, but harms poor, low skilled workers in the absence of concomitant and independent wealth distribution reforms (which are, here at least, politically untenable)". And it's strange to me that Krugman who I think is generally considered leftist wouldn't address this seemingly obvious shortcoming.