Answer:
1. Demonstrated in the cartoon is the economic concept of both mercantilism and imperialism. Mercantilism is the economic theory of minimizing imports and maximizing exports, which can be applied to colonial powers, just as imperialism can. Imperialism is a broader concept of extending their rule to colonial possessions through force. Both are displayed because the cartoon is depicting a bigger power that "WANTS" resources which are symbolized by the globe. Mercantilism isn't imperialism as it is solely economic theory, but both are fuelled by resources. Mercantilism was applied in imperialist countries, those up in Europe, because they mainly imported from their possessions while exporting throughout markets.
2. This cartoon is trying to say that a dragon, which fictionally is depicted as an evil and powerful creature, fuels its hunger by eating the globe, which is captioned as "resources". It's trying to show imperialistic powers from a different perspective, implying they're greedy for wanting more resources.
3. The author's purpose is to shine a negative light on imperialism as shown by the vilification of the idea.