How the financial system would respond to a superpower war

It is tempting to conclude that the fragmentation described in this special report—of capital flows, payment networks and financial institutions—might be spurred by geopolitics, but has little bearing on it in return. A single, globalised financial system is neither necessary nor sufficient for peace. As they chip away at it, officials from Washington to Beijing might regret the opportunities and connections being lost. They need not worry they are hastening Armageddon.