Our modern, materialistic society is largely dependent upon a huge infrastructure as well as a huge web of interconnected supply chains. Just about every item you buy in the store contains parts which have been shipped across the country and around the globe. Even many items that are labelled “Made in America” aren’t really; they contain components from other countries. The only part that is usually American on those products is the final assembly.

While companies can place their manufacturing facilities wherever they want, similar companies tend to need the same things. That need tends to cause them to co-locate, so that they are close to resources and suppliers. So, for example, we could lose Silicone Valley and the vast majority of America’s electronics and computer production if California were ever to fall off into the ocean.

This complex web of product and resource transportation, which is known as the supply line, is essential to modern society. Without it, we would be forced to rely on local production for everything we need. Considering the vast number of products manufactured overseas, it wouldn’t take much to create a serious shortage in critical products.

Adding to the problem is the fact that all modern commerce is computerized. Most money merely exists as an entry in a computer database. Few businesses use cash registers that aren’t actually computers. Gone are the days where a company manager called a supplier on the phone and ordered needed supplies. Today, many Internet orders go through without any human intervention.

We largely ignore this complex system of supply, but we all depend upon it on a daily basis. But what would happen if our supply lines were disrupted? How would we survive? And what sorts of events could cause a serious disruption in our supply lines?

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