Is this causation or correlation? Those "free countries" seem to correlate pretty closely with colonial powers. Scarcity necessitates tighter control. "Freedom

Is this causation or correlation? Those "free countries" seem to correlate pretty closely with colonial powers. Scarcity necessitates tighter control. "Freedom" is easier to guarantee in prosperity. Also, at a global scale, if you're a rich country, it sounds like you'd want to spread a system that benefits those who have capital.