Why would you expect an inverse relationship between self sufficiency and real GDP per capita?

An inverse relationship between self-sufficiency and real GDP per capita may arise because higher GDP per capita often indicates a more interconnected and globalized economy, where countries rely on trade and specialization for efficiency. As economies develop, they tend to focus on industries where they have a comparative advantage, leading to increased imports and less emphasis on producing all goods domestically. Conversely, lower GDP per capita may correlate with greater self-sufficiency as countries rely on local production to meet their needs due to limited resources or access to global markets. Thus, as economies grow and integrate into the global market, self-sufficiency may decrease.