Yes indeed ...back when they were the pinnacle of civilization..LOL...and our ancestry were mere barbarians from the steppes..LOL
Cut the Americas, or even just the USA, totally off from world trade for ten years.
Do the same for the middle east.
Check back in a decade, and see who has a tightened belt, and who has starved to death.
This could make your life a bit more interesting. Send it to your SIL, if you think she cares.