Geopolitics

Can this Enlightenment idea really guide us to a more peaceful existence?

Enlightenment philosophers believed in “gentle commerce,” or the civilizing effect of expanding trade ties.

Enlightenment philosophers believed in “gentle commerce,” or the civilizing effect of expanding trade ties. Image: Public Domain

John Letzing
Digital Editor, Strategic Intelligence, World Economic Forum
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EU members by year of entry; the bloc has been seen as proof of the power of 'gentle commerce.'
EU members by year of entry; the bloc has been seen as proof of the power of 'gentle commerce.' Image: Datawrapper

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