Several alliance have announced that they were ceasing EZI/PZI policies. This subject has been repeatedly raked over, so I won't add much to that. I want to look at just one particular aspect of PZI: deterrent.

Most people seem to focus on the punitive element of EZI: The idea that it is a just punishment for a particular act.

I have never been a fan of EZI, and I understand the argument that there is no way to enforce it and remain IC. But one place that it does seem to be effective is as a deterrent. For some rulers who play the game more for scheming and could care less about infra, the idea of a ZI is not all that impressive. You may as well threaten to throw them out of a first story window. However, the threat of enforcing a permanent embargo on them is more effective.

To be fair, such rulers will be rare. Most of us would prefer to have a strong prosperous nation. However, for those who do fit the characterization, an effective deterrent is necessary. I cannot think of what that deterrent would be other than PZI.

Thoughts?