ABSTRACT
The economic interests of men concern the production and distribution of goods, and all that is usually connected with wealth. These interests may, therefore, be distinguished from the political interest, order and liberty, or justice; and in fact there are two quite distinct groups of men in all countries, “business” men, dealing with production and distribution, and “political” men, either statesmen directing policy, or civil servants or soldiers or sailors, carrying it out. The connection between business and political men and between individuals in the two groups is very important for international politics. For example, the financier will give a dinner at which a Foreign Minister may hear of certain investments being placed in an undeveloped country. It is important for the Foreign Minister to know what interests are represented; and, on the other hand, the financier may receive information as to possible political troubles. The two groups are naturally connected for the sake of information valuable to each. But the connection is sometimes closer. The Minister or Secretary may have power to grant trading privileges, and the financier may have power to give or withhold on certain conditions the financial facilities for developing the country in question. Arrangements are therefore made and understandings entered into between the economic and the political groups. It is not implied that this is necessarily sinister or dangerous. The world’s products are increased by such measures, and government is often made easier where the financial powers are not opposed to the administration. But obviously there may be opportunities for privilege, to the detriment of the general public; and there may be vast proceeds for individuals earned by objectionable methods, as is evident from the examples already quoted in regard to undeveloped countries.
