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The thing about wonderful, sophisticated, complex systems like a modern city, is that you need to be able to maintain them. If you aren’t capable of doing that,
by nickdothutton 3y ago
The thing about wonderful, sophisticated, complex systems like a modern city, is that you need to be able to maintain them. If you aren’t capable of doing that, for whatever reason, then they rapidly become a sort of trap. This is what has happened to South Africa. I think there’s a non-zero chance it becomes the first anarchy of this present age. A pity, because it could have been a paradise.
- solarmist 3y agoCould it have? I’ve never heard anyone claim good things about South Africa as a country.
- lotsofpulp 3y agoI do not know what you mean by country, but South Africa is one of the most gorgeous places I have been. It can compete with California. It has natural resources, great climate, flora, history, and by and large, my interactions with people of all stripes were positive. I would even retire in Cape Town, if it were politically stable.
- solarmist 3y agoI mean that based on the government was founded and run. I’m sure the geography and average people are lovely. But it has a hell of handicap to overcome politically.
- mousetree 3y agoThat's quite a pessimistic view to have. The country is beautiful, the people are great. The problem is the politicians.
- mydogcanpurr 3y agoThe people generally get the politicians and government they deserve.
- hulitu 3y agoThis was before Facebook and CIA.
- theshrike79 3y agoPeople are protecting their houses with 2m tall electric fences so that politicians don't come in?
- colpabar 3y agohe forgot to mention all the white supremacists
- friend_and_foe 3y agoPeople are protecting their houses with 2m tall electric fences so that white supremacists don't come in?
- solarmist 3y agoNot the rich white people obviously, but yes.
- somberi 3y agoYou might be interested in Tainter's work on Collapse of Complex Societies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Tainter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Tainter https://bit.ly/448HJVI https://bit.ly/448HJVI
- nickdothutton 3y agoThanks sincerely for digging this out. I will certainly follow up!
- erichocean 3y agoBought, thanks!
- bequanna 3y ago> I think there’s a non-zero chance it becomes the first anarchy of this present age. Somalia seems to be pretty close to anarchy. Also maybe Afghanistan after the US exited?
- nickdothutton 3y agoI think Somalia is close, as close as any. At one point a couple of years ago I thought Venezuela might take the “prize” or even El Salvador, although the leadership there is cleaning house with a very stiff broom currently. Afghanistan, no, although the national army collapsed within a couple of days, there was a strong and organised force to take over.
- ipaddr 3y agoAfghanistan is firmly under control. Somalia as well. Those pirates are organized and leadership structures exist. South Africa anarchy will not last and turn into factions
- bequanna 3y agoAh, that is an interesting theory: anarchy will always result in spontaneous organization of factions, usually repressive and holding power by pure force.