From what I've observed in the economic system of the world, imperialism has been the major aim and objective. Dominance is what have been driving the global system up till this day.
From the colonial era to the present day, the global market is still under who gets what, when and how. Who gets hurt or which economy perishes is not really of great concern but what really matters is who gets profit and how they get it.

If your nation's strength on negotiation is weak or still suffers neo colonialism, then it's a good bye for your economy making it be a survival for the fittest. Do everything you can to keep your own up and running, exploit if you can, impose rules to favor yourself if you can.
Cause a war if that will favour you for it is all amongst the practice of international relations.