Interdependence and Trade A general observation Individuals and nations rely on specialized production and exchange as a way to address problems caused by scarcity. Harcourt, Inc. items and derived items copyright C 2001 by Harcourt, Inc.Harcourt, Inc. items and derived items copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. Interdependence and Trade A general observation . . . Individuals and nations rely on specialized production and exchange as a way to address problems caused by scarcity