The Japan Lesson: Globalization -v- Localization

In theory, globalization and centralization are great ideas. When Toyota outsources the manufacture of its parts to far-away vendors or the power companies spread their grids all over the nation, they cut costs and bring lower prices to consumers. But when the Unexpected happens, one wonders if it would not have resulted in a happier outcome if self-sufficiency closer to home had been the policy in place.