Answer:
The states only wanted things for themselves. They didn't think of themselves as a part of a whole nation. This then resulted in other countries (nations) trying to have different trade agreements with different states, rather than the whole nation having one trade agreement.
Answer:
The passage basically talks of a state's 'selfish' notion of doing things on it's own and for it's own interest, irrespective of the other states' opinions and wants.
Explanation:
Summarized version of the given passage-
Each state thinks about themselves only, thinking of their own benefits and their own gains. They do not take into consideration the opinions and interests of the other states around her. And this self interest decisions will only lead to the disintegration of the nation, other nations taking advantage of the differing trade agreements of the states. If the states could not come up with a mutual agreement on their trade policies, this will only ruin themselves and give an added advantage to the other nations around it. Instead of acting united for the safety of their nation, they think small, concerning themselves with only a state-level interest and not thinking as a united whole.
