Suppose the global economy comprised countries roughly equally equipped with research institutions, technology development labs and industrial production facilities. They might compete fiercely, build rival alliances and vie aggressively for raw materials and natural resources. But one can also imagine a more optimistic scenario. Since each country would understand its own challenges best, it could devise solutions adapted to its own circumstances, building systems and equipment at precisely the scale required.

BRASÍLIA — Suppose the global economy comprised countries roughly equally equipped with research institutions, technology development labs, and ind...

Suppose the global economy comprised countries roughly equally equipped with research institutions, technology development labs and industrial production facilities. They might…