# Economic System Diffusion Mechanisms ## Definition The processes by which economic ideas, practices, and institutions spread from one context to another. Smith examines how mercantilist ideas have diffused and argues for the spread of more efficient market-based alternatives. ## Source Chapter Book IV, Chapter 6 ## Context Smith discusses how economic ideas and practices spread between nations, using this analysis to explain the persistence of mercantilist policies and to advocate for the diffusion of more efficient market-based approaches. ## Economic Domain General Theory ---