---
entity_slug: disadvantageous_balance_trade_restraints
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:06:13.733701'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly specifies the types of trade restrictions (tariffs,
    quotas, prohibitions) and their targeting criteria (countries with unfavorable
    trade balances). It captures a distinct policy approach rather than being a vague
    umbrella term.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Book IV, Chapter 3 where Smith extensively
    critiques trade restrictions based on balance of trade considerations. The concept
    accurately reflects Smith's analysis of these specific policy measures and their
    flawed reasoning.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is precisely correct, as these are
    government-imposed trade restrictions and regulatory interventions. This clearly
    belongs in the regulatory/policy category rather than market mechanisms or production
    domains.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This maps well to S3 (internal regulation) as a control mechanism attempting
    to manage trade flows, and potentially S4 (intelligence) in terms of how nations
    respond to perceived trade imbalances. It represents a clear regulatory function
    within the economic system.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity illuminates a specific mechanism of trade policy and reveals
    the structural relationship between balance of trade concerns and regulatory responses.
    It goes beyond surface description to capture the causal logic (however flawed)
    behind these interventions.
---

# Evaluation: Disadvantageous Balance Trade Restraints

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly specifies the types of trade restrictions (tariffs, quotas, prohibitions) and their targeting criteria (countries with unfavorable trade balances). It captures a distinct policy approach rather than being a vague umbrella term.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Book IV, Chapter 3 where Smith extensively critiques trade restrictions based on balance of trade considerations. The concept accurately reflects Smith's analysis of these specific policy measures and their flawed reasoning.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is precisely correct, as these are government-imposed trade restrictions and regulatory interventions. This clearly belongs in the regulatory/policy category rather than market mechanisms or production domains.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This maps well to S3 (internal regulation) as a control mechanism attempting to manage trade flows, and potentially S4 (intelligence) in terms of how nations respond to perceived trade imbalances. It represents a clear regulatory function within the economic system.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity illuminates a specific mechanism of trade policy and reveals the structural relationship between balance of trade concerns and regulatory responses. It goes beyond surface description to capture the causal logic (however flawed) behind these interventions.
