The Isolationism vs Globalism axis asks how open a country’s economy should be: protected and self-reliant, or integrated into global trade and finance.
A country should protect its economy and stay out of foreign entanglements, relying mainly on itself.
Countries should be economically open and integrated, with free movement of trade, investment and ideas.
The question this axis asks: Should a country shield its economy and stay out of foreign affairs, or open up to the world?
, such as tariffs on imports, is justified to defend domestic jobs and industries.
Nothing is sent anywhere.
The question this axis asks
Should a country shield its economy and stay out of foreign affairs, or open up to the world?
This axis covers tariffs and trade deals, foreign investment, self-sufficiency, supply chains and the role of international economic institutions. It combines economic protectionism with a wider preference for staying out of other countries’ affairs.
People on the Isolationism side usually argue that open markets cost local jobs and weaken independence, and that countries should focus on their own affairs. People on the Globalism side usually argue that trade and investment raise living standards and make countries more peaceful and interdependent.
Neither side is better or worse. They are different answers to the same question.
A country should protect its economy and stay out of foreign entanglements, relying mainly on itself.
Typical positions
Countries should be economically open and integrated, with free movement of trade, investment and ideas.
Typical positions
Scores run from 0% to 100% toward Globalism. Here is how to read them.
| Score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| 0–15% | Very strongly Isolationism |
| 16–30% | Strongly Isolationism |
| 31–43% | Leaning Isolationism |
| 44–56% | Near the middle |
| 57–69% | Leaning Globalism |
| 70–84% | Strongly Globalism |
| 85–100% | Very strongly Globalism |
A middle score suggests you support trade while protecting the sectors you consider important.
Singapore, the Netherlands and Ireland are among the most trade-open economies, while countries with high barriers or heavy self-sufficiency goals, such as North Korea, are among the most closed. Most countries use a mix, for example an open economy with tariffs on a few sectors. Estimated profiles of countries and ideologies at each end of this axis.
North Korea98% toward Isolationism
Eritrea88% toward Isolationism
Cuba85% toward Isolationism
Myanmar82% toward Isolationism
Venezuela80% toward Isolationism
Singapore95% toward Globalism
Ireland92% toward Globalism
Luxembourg92% toward Globalism
Netherlands90% toward Globalism
Belgium88% toward GlobalismThese are editorial estimates for discussion, not rankings of quality.
Words you may meet in the test statements about this axis.
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Three statements show one axis. The full test scores every axis and finds your closest countries and ideologies.