Trade networks like the Silk Road impact us today by facilitating global economic integration and cultural exchange. Without trade, our lives would be significantly different as we would lack access to a wide variety of goods and services from different parts of the world. For instance, we would not have access to exotic fruits like bananas or technologies like smartphones that are not produced locally. Moreover, there would be limited cultural diversity and lesser opportunities for learning about different beliefs, practices, and ideas from around the world.
