Definition

A special economic zone (SEZ) is a geographical area within a nation state’s jurisdiction operating through legal frameworks separate to those elsewhere in the nation and for a dedicated economic purpose.

Discussion

SEZs are a powerful mechanism to safeguarding self-sovereignty in a particular location.

Securing self-sovereignty, however, is not an objective of the national government when establishing an SEZ.

From the national government perspective, SEZs are a policy tool to achieve political objectives. Such objectives typically include:

• increasing direct foreign investment
• reducing unemployment
• facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship.

SEZs are important from the approach of the Live and Let Live Movement not least as they limit the scope a national government has to aggress.

Further Resources

• Titus Gebel, Free and Private Cities (3rd ed, Free Cities Foundation, 2023)
• Lotta Moberg, The Political Economy of Special Economic Zones (Routledge, 2017)