> The UK doesn't seem to be bursting at the seams with prosperity these days. Switzerland does much better yet never had any colonies. I dunno - Northern Irela

> The UK doesn't seem to be bursting at the seams with prosperity these days. Switzerland does much better yet never had any colonies. I dunno - Northern Ireland seems to be doing alright, current woes affecting the rest of the Kingdom (Britain) appear to be self-inflicted. More seriously: I never claimed imperialism led to eternal prosperity. Pax Britania led to a very prosperous Britain - it is undeniable that imperialism is beneficial while it's happening: captive markets abroad support broader industrialization than just a single home market[1], and externalization of costs makes it cheaper/more "efficient". 1. Which Britain is relearning - as you noted, they are not exactly bursting at the seams with prosperity, post-Brexit