Globalised production lines, globalised labour markets, commodity markets, culture - all this acts like social superglue preventing any politician from even contemplating an overt protectionist or state-capitalist response.

BBC: Thinking outside the 1930s box

"There's a generation which is used to a culture in which it's normal that everything has become a commodity, " she says.

BBC: The rise and fall of lap dancing

There is now the culture of non-stop breaking news and, some fear, the transformation of news into a commodity.

BBC: Why are India's media under fire?

"While not directly related to investing, the reader will get a good understanding on how any commodity, even one as abundant and simple as salt can have an impact on the economy and culture, " said Lowlicht.

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