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# Commercial Discord Source

## Definition

The artificial conflicts and animosities created between nations through mercantilist trade policies that frame international commerce as competitive warfare rather than cooperative exchange, leading to restrictions, retaliations, and mutual economic harm.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 3

## Context

Smith argues that commerce should naturally be "a bond of union and friendship" between nations, but mercantilist policies have transformed it into "the most fertile source of discord and animosity."

## Economic Domain

Regulation

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