With (D) aren't we assuming that the trade embargo will likely fail since we have 1 of 2 conditions required for a successful embargo? If we assume what's been given in the argument (condition 1 - trade blockade) then with B we should be able to have a successful trade embargo. I didn't select (D) because the assumption that makes (D) correct also makes (B) correct. Please clarify.
courtdancer wrote:
For a trade embargo against a particular country to
succeed, a high degree of both international accord
and ability to prevent goods from entering or leaving
that country must be sustained. A total blockade of
Patria’s ports is necessary to an embargo, but such an
action would be likely to cause international discord
over the embargo.
The claims above, if true, most strongly support which
of the following conclusions?
(A) The balance of opinion is likely to favor Patria in
the event of a blockade.
(B) As long as international opinion is unanimously
against Patria, a trade embargo is likely to
succeed.
(C) A naval blockade of Patria’s ports would ensure
that no goods enter or leave Patria.
(D) Any trade embargo against Patria would be likely
to fail at some time.
(E) For a blockade of Patria’s ports to be
successful, international opinion must be
unanimous.
would anyone kindly give me an explanation about this question?
better analyse each choice,thanks so much
Good call USCTrojan2006, Amit and Akshat...
Let me point out an important concept used in this question - that of necessary conditions.
Premises:
- International accord and ability to prevent goods from moving are
necessary for a trade embargo to succeed.
- A total blockade of Patria’s ports is necessary to an embargo (to prevent goods from moving)
- but such an action would be likely to cause international discord over the embargo.
Two conditions are necessary for embargo to be successful. One of these conditions, if met, is likely to make the other condition fail.
What can I conclude without looking at the options?
That trade embargo in Patria is likely to fail.
(A) The balance of opinion is likely to favor Patria in
the event of a blockade.We cannot conclude whether opinion will favor Patria.
(B) As long as international opinion is unanimously
against Patria, a trade embargo is likely to
succeed.No. We need to block the ports too if we want the embargo to succeed. International opinion is not enough.
(C) A naval blockade of Patria’s ports would ensure
that no goods enter or leave Patria.No information about the effectiveness of naval blockade.
(D) Any trade embargo against Patria would be likely
to fail at some time.
Got it!(E) For a blockade of Patria’s ports to be
successful, international opinion must be
unanimous.We don't know what will ensure successful blockade. We just know that blockade is likely to cause discord.