Well

For a contemporary example of how a formerly civilised polity can devolve into civil war, we only have to look to Hong Kong. However, in Hong Kong’s case, the externalities the polity face are rather more apparent. China has decided, rather stupidly I think, to junk the notional self-determination of the former enclave. Ye gods, empires have always needed their free ports and access to other forms of governance. We all need our political formicarium, wherein we can examine the data presented.

I had thought the Chinese to be the brightest and most intelligent of all the major polities. Now I am not so sure. When we look at the bizarre, gradual-and-step evolution of history we can all see the general direction we are headed, barring accidents.