This is the last in a four part series on the transition between democracy and dictatorship. In the first part we
looked at historical examples of democracy to dictatorship transitions to find a pattern. In the second, we
investigated Toynbee's civilization life cycle to understand the transition. In the third, we compared that
civilization life cycle with our own situation. We found that a world-dominating empire akin to the Roman Empire
happening within this century was likely. This final column is in question and answer format.
Question: Is there anything that can be done to avert this global empire?
Answer: Some things, one just has to go through, like getting older and dying. That is where our civilization is.
It has reached its senescence and is declining to a death that may be 500 years away.
Question: Will it necessarily have to be the United States or European Union as components of Western Civilization
that will be taken over and lead to a dictatorship that would girdle the world?
Answer: No, there are other possible scenarios. Three that come to mind immediately would be if one of the
following were to occur:
- First, since the formation of the universal state is unlikely to occur in the next fifteen years, hopefully, it
might be possible that the economic and military unification of the European Union might be on a par with that of
the United States by the time the push for the universal state happens. If the universal state attempt started in
the U. S., the E. U. might successfully counteract it, and bring the U. S. back to being a republic. Of course,
that would require that the E. U. government actually show some concern over whether a country was a republic or
dictatorship. Considering the Europeans prefer the Palestinian dictatorship of Yasser Arafat to the republic that
is Israel, let's not count on that's happening!
- Another possibility would be for the universal state of Western Civilization to be imposed from the outside.
This has occurred with other civilizations in the past, notably India. The British conquered India and imposed
their own system of government, over the whole of the civilization. Currently there are two other strong
civilizations in the world that, while influenced by Western Civilization, are not part of it. The first, which is
on the wane, is Russia. Because they are on the wane, they will have enough trouble keeping together over the
next century, let alone expanding to take the world. The second that might consolidate the world into one
universal state is China. They are a revitalization of an old universal state. They have the will to do it. They
have the people, and they have the know-how for corrupting governments and influencing foreign elections.
- Canada or a Latin American country could be the seed.
Question: Does this mean that the dark ages are upon us?
Answer: Not necessarily. It may still be fifty or a hundred years before Western Civilization gives in to the
temptation of having a dictator. Many of Rome's greatest works were completed during her empire period. People
may not have realized that the whole of the Hellenic Civilization was falling apart until the last two centuries,
or so of its existence. We could have four hundred years of worse and worse government before it brings down the
civilization.
Question: Is there anything we can do to make things better for us in this transitional time?
Answer: Perhaps there is. If the empire and interregnum lasts for too long, it will bring civilization to a state
akin to the dark ages of Europe, before the lights of learning started coming back on. Perhaps, with proper
guidance, we could get through these stages within a lifetime, without as much turmoil as would otherwise happen.
We need a strong plan, and some knowledgeable person to carry it out. This guiding hand needs to understand the
big picture of civilization's life cycles. He must be a strong leader, who will bring about focused change. With
such a plan and leader, we can go through these stages to the birth of the next civilization without all the
folderol of a long interregnum.
Question: But where can we find such a leader for the future?
Answer: I'm right here. It won't be easy for me to accept such a mantle of responsibility, but I am willing to
shoulder the burden for the sake of all humanity and cell phone users. Remember to transfer all of your power to
me in the next election. Your will live in security and safety the rest of your lives. I know I plan on living
pretty well off my new salary as Emperor of Earth.
Thank you. It's now time for my medication.
F. B. Knight is Curmudgeon-in-Residence at the Attila the Hun School of Management. He can be reached for questions at
fbk@attilathehunschool.net.
