[tel]

I agree that such a state doesn't (a) seem impossible or (b) seem untenable if we have sufficient technological advances (solving fusion ignition, perhaps).

What kind of trajectory takes us from here to there (or to a place dense with similar stable solutions) without going through war and famine? Or, how does a developed nation survive in relative bounty surrounded by nations undergoing severe war and famine?

[Unseelie]

The first question is very difficult to answer..the second?

>Or, how does a developed nation survive in relative bounty surrounded by nations undergoing severe war and famine?

Brutality and self interest.