---
entity_slug: commercial_jealousy_mechanism
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:58:35.395116'
overall_score: 2.8
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 1.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: There is no definition provided, only context. The context describes
    a broad phenomenon but lacks the precision needed to distinguish this as a specific
    mechanism versus general mercantilist behavior.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While Smith does discuss how nations restrict trade with rivals and favor
    allies in Book IV, Chapter 6, the specific framing as a "commercial jealousy mechanism"
    appears to be an interpretive overlay rather than Smith's own conceptualization.
    The underlying phenomena are present but the mechanistic framing is imposed.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain is appropriate since this describes how nations
    regulate trade relationships based on political considerations. This fits well
    within Smith's broader critique of regulatory interventions in commerce.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it describes
    how nations respond to perceived threats from rivals, and potentially S5 (identity/policy)
    as it involves national identity and strategic policy decisions. The mechanism
    has clear VSM relevance.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While it identifies a real pattern in mercantilist policy, it doesn't
    illuminate the underlying structural mechanisms that drive this behavior beyond
    restating that nations act on jealousy and self-interest. It names the phenomenon
    without explaining why it persists or how it operates systematically.
---

# Evaluation: Commercial Jealousy Mechanism

## definition_precision — 1.0 / 5.0

There is no definition provided, only context. The context describes a broad phenomenon but lacks the precision needed to distinguish this as a specific mechanism versus general mercantilist behavior.

## source_grounding — 3.0 / 5.0

While Smith does discuss how nations restrict trade with rivals and favor allies in Book IV, Chapter 6, the specific framing as a "commercial jealousy mechanism" appears to be an interpretive overlay rather than Smith's own conceptualization. The underlying phenomena are present but the mechanistic framing is imposed.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain is appropriate since this describes how nations regulate trade relationships based on political considerations. This fits well within Smith's broader critique of regulatory interventions in commerce.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it describes how nations respond to perceived threats from rivals, and potentially S5 (identity/policy) as it involves national identity and strategic policy decisions. The mechanism has clear VSM relevance.

## explanatory_value — 2.0 / 5.0

While it identifies a real pattern in mercantilist policy, it doesn't illuminate the underlying structural mechanisms that drive this behavior beyond restating that nations act on jealousy and self-interest. It names the phenomenon without explaining why it persists or how it operates systematically.