The Evolution of Government

It is unfortunate that in many developing and undeveloped nations, autocratic governments exist that subjugate their own people, rape their own nation's natural resources for the gain of the small ruling class, and cling to power through brutal violence and crippling fear. It is however, a natural, and almost prerequisite state of affairs so that a country may eventually throw off the shackles of dictatorship and establish a true democracy, since the avarice and arrogance of these repressive regimes is what inevitably leads to their downfall.

The processes by which a failed state becomes a legitimate one are simple ones, albeit often circuitous. Nature abhors a vacuum, and in the case of a truly failed or barbaric state, a strong leader will emerge. This strongman, chieftain, warlord, or whatever he calls himself will accumulate power and share it only in a feudal way. His most trusted subordinates will garner the most power, and they in turn have their own cadre of lackeys amongst whom they dole out influence. In this system, turnover amongst leaders is high. Civil War, coup attempts, assassinations, and all sorts of skulduggery are rampant. A country rich in natural resources will use the proceeds of those industries to prop up the ruling regime. But the exploitation of natural and industrial resources brings with it unintended consequences. Skilled workers must be educated, and educated citizens demand higher wages for their labour. Since industrialisation is centralised, this creates an urban middle class, as well as allowing large corporations to operate within the country, unless state-controlled monopolies are set-up. Corporations demand infrastructure investment, including telecommunications, Internet access, transportation links, and educational facilities. But to achieve civil projects such as these, there needs to be a stable government. Threatening workers will not work when they are essential to your grip on power, and a corporation will not take risks in a country they perceive to be a doomed investment. So the government is forced to make concessions. The middle class, being educated, will demand basic rights, like fair trials, constitutional limits on the government's power, and representation of some sort, through protests, petitions, demonstrations, and possibly open revolt. Representation may begin as an elected official in the leader's inner circle, and grow into a true legislature over time. Eventually, a tipping point is reached, and either a popular revolution will occur, or a country gradually grants power to its citizens.