Economic intimidation

The use of force or superior power to economically exploit other groups may be on an individual, national or international level. On an individual level it may take the form of class conflict and elitism. On a national level as monopoly or oligopoly or government control, it may take the form of restrictive business practices such as price fixing and restriction of entry of other firms into the market, or under competition it may take the form of unfair competitive practice. On an international level, as economic imperialism, it may impose effective foreign control and political domination. It serves to maintain or widen economic and technological gaps, dependency and alienation. Corruption and espionage may also be used as methods of economic intimidation.