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# Present State of the Nation Analysis

## Definition

Contemporary economic assessments and commentaries that Smith references to support his arguments about trade patterns and the actual functioning of international commerce, particularly regarding the export of British goods during wartime without corresponding returns.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 1

## Context

Smith cites "the author of the Present State of the Nation" to provide empirical evidence for his argument that British wars were financed through the export of commodities rather than precious metals. This reference demonstrates his method of combining theoretical analysis with contemporary economic data.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

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