DR JUN.-24

 A new wave of self-sufficiency is sweeping across the globe. Leaders from the world’s largest economies are increasingly turning inward, advocating for economic independence rather than global interdependence. In the United States, former President Donald Trump famously declared his vision of “economic independence,” which included reducing reliance on international trade – a striking reversal from the very system the US helped establish after World War II. This system of globalisation, rooted in the idea that open trade benefits all, is now being reconsidered. China, too, has echoed similar sentiments. President Xi Jinping has long promoted zili gengsheng, or “self-reliance,” by encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign imports. From food to semiconductors, China’s policies reflect a desire to build internal resilience. Russia, under Vladimir Putin, has asserted its self-sufficiency in the face of severe Western sanctions. In response to efforts to economically isolate the country, Putin declared Russia a “self-sufficient country in every sense.” Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative – a campaign aimed at making India more self-reliant in production and innovation. Even the European Union, traditionally supportive of open markets, has started to rethink its dependencies, especially in key sectors like energy and defence. This collective shift away from global integration signals a break from decades of globalisation – the belief that nations, through mutual exchange, would achieve shared prosperity and peace. However, this desire to look inward is far from new. It taps into a much older human instinct: the longing for autonomy and control, not just at the level of states but at the level of individuals. The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes exemplified this impulse in dramatic fashion. Living in a barrel in a Corinthian marketplace, he rejected social norms and material wealth. According to legend, when Alexander the Great offered to grant him any wish, Diogenes simply replied, “Stand a little out of my sun.” Whether or not this meeting truly happened is unclear, but the story has endured for centuries. It captures a powerful idea: that true freedom comes from needing nothing beyond oneself. The concept of autarky – derived from the Greek auto (self) and arkeo (to suffice) – has long been seen as a moral ideal. In classical thought, dependence was viewed as a limitation on personal wisdom and freedom. Autarky, in contrast, was linked to virtue, independence, and resilience, even if it meant living in discomfort. This pursuit of self-reliance wasn’t limited to individuals. Aristotle, a contemporary of Diogenes, believed that the ideal city-state should be economically self-sufficient. According to him, only within such a self-contained community could people pursue a truly philosophical and meaningful life. Today’s resurgence of self-sufficiency echoes these ancient ideals. Though now driven by geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, and a reassessment of global vulnerabilities, the root motivation remains similar – the desire to reclaim control, reduce dependency, and secure autonomy. Yet, as the world grows more interconnected through technology and shared challenges like climate change, it remains to be seen whether complete self-sufficiency is achievable – or even desirable.


📘 Table: Main Idea Sentences & Simplified Meanings

ParagraphMain Idea SentenceSimplified Meaning
1A new wave of self-sufficiency is sweeping across the globe.Countries are increasingly focusing on becoming more economically independent.
2China, too, has echoed similar sentiments.China also wants to rely less on imports and produce more things on its own.
3Russia, under Vladimir Putin, has asserted its self-sufficiency in the face of severe Western sanctions.Russia says it can manage on its own, even after being cut off from global trade.
4This collective shift away from global integration signals a break from decades of globalisation…These actions by countries mark a change from past beliefs in global trade and cooperation.
5The ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes exemplified this impulse in dramatic fashion.Long ago, Diogenes showed the desire for independence by living simply and needing very little.
6The concept of autarky… has long been seen as a moral ideal.People once thought self-reliance was not just practical but also a sign of personal strength.
7This pursuit of self-reliance wasn’t limited to individuals.Philosophers believed that even city-states should be self-sufficient to allow for a better life.
8Today’s resurgence of self-sufficiency echoes these ancient ideals.Modern self-reliance movements are similar to old ideas but also shaped by today’s global problems.

📗 Short Summary (Simple)

Nations around the world are increasingly trying to become self-sufficient, moving away from decades of globalisation. This trend is not new—it echoes ancient ideals where independence was linked with virtue and wisdom. While modern motivations include politics and global risks, the core desire remains the same: autonomy and control. However, in a connected world, full self-reliance may not be realistic.

📙 Difficult Word Meanings

  • Self-sufficiency – The ability to meet one’s own needs without help from others

  • Global interdependence – Mutual reliance between countries for trade, resources, etc.

  • Zili gengsheng – Chinese for self-reliance

  • Autonomy – Independence or self-governance

  • Diogenes – Ancient Greek philosopher known for living a life of minimal needs

  • Autarky – Economic independence or self-sufficiency

  • Virtue – Moral excellence or goodness

  • Resurgence – A revival or renewed interest

  • Desirable – Worth having or seeking

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