This sounds pretty familiar, minus the scheming princes part. Mega-construction projects involve so much money that I think it's the preferred method for many

This sounds pretty familiar, minus the scheming princes part. Mega-construction projects involve so much money that I think it's the preferred method for many politicians to funnel money to themselves and their friends. And people cheer on them thinking it will bring jobs or increase their property values. Wanton environmental destruction is usually a bonus, but who cares about that.