This is exactly it. But to add my 2c: one thing really missing from these countries that we take for granted is a sense of community outside the immediate famil

This is exactly it. But to add my 2c: one thing really missing from these countries that we take for granted is a sense of community outside the immediate family. i.e. the spirit of nationalism is missing, which means that members work and and responsible only for their immediate families. Which is for good reason: most folks don't interact with the State, they only really get help from family and occasionally friends. So when in power who do you think they will tend to favor? When the family calls in a favor, you give. Or you do favors for your family and call in a favor later when you really need it.