Yeah, sadly. A theory of mine: The ruling classes of a large & powerful country usually feel that their nation's existence and basic security are Sure Things.

Yeah, sadly. A theory of mine: The ruling classes of a large & powerful country usually feel that their nation's existence and basic security are Sure Things. So - they can afford to ignore problems, screw up, line their own pockets, and hold "my ideology is better than yours" clique wars. Vs. the ruling classes of small & weak nations usually suffer from existential anxieties. "A big screw-up or few, by us, and our whole nation could easily fall into history's dead-and-gone dumpster." That feeling of being ultimately accountable leads to them act responsibly.