For this reason , mercantilism is seen as a form of economic nationalism , that holds that the prosperity of a nation is dependent upon its supply of capital , and that the global volume of international trade is `` unchangeable '' . Mercantilism is an economic theory which holds that the prosperity of a state is dependent upon its supply of capital ; that the global volume of international trade is `` unchangeable ; '' and that one party may benefit only at the expense of another .