A nation that can set the terms of its dealings with other nations is certain to be a world leader. A nation that has no dealings with any other nation cannot be a world leader. A nation that has the terms of its dealings with another nation set by that nation cannot be a world leader. A nation that does not lend to any other nation cannot be a world leader.
Economic considerations color every aspect of international dealings, and nations are just like individuals in that the lender sets the terms of its dealings with the borrower. That is why a nation that owes money to another nation cannot be a world leader.
The reasoning in the passage assumes which one of the following?