Representative democracy is finished. It has been gamed to death in two different ways: - The Euro way, exemplified by the UK, where the populace has the illu

Representative democracy is finished. It has been gamed to death in two different ways: - The Euro way, exemplified by the UK, where the populace has the illusion of choice, but where whichever government they elect never enacts popular policies. In short: No matter who you vote for, you're gonna get the same managerial class running the show. The Tories and Labour are now practically indistinguishable on all major issues. - The US way, where ideological polarization, and the capture of both political parties by their fringes, means that you can only vote for one or another extreme. (To say nothing of capture by oligarchs and moneyed interests, etc.) Both forms are inherently unstable. I'd argue that the latter feels more unstable, but the former is more dangerous -- for the American way of treating politics as a gang affiliation or team sport diverts the animal energies of the populace, whereas the Euro way leads to despair and resentment. The only ways out are with much more democracy, like Switzerland (++) -- or much less democracy, like China. If human nature is inherently good, pray for the former; if it is evil, the latter is more suitable. Ancient Chinese sages like my man Han Feizi were understandably interested in this question.