Historical Overview

While we have made technological progress from wandering nomad to space age, our psychology has remained grounded in the earliest stages of development: Fear of outsiders, fear of change, obsession with economics. The instinct for hording pervades all year round. If this is done at the expense of a perceived rival, all the better. We seem to take perverse pleasure in this. The felicitation of aggression is the key. National partitions are encouraged by those in power, their positions depend on it.

These governments can best be described as the most sophisticated organised crime networks. While there are many different types, all are intrinsically the same. National police/military battalions often compose the basic building block. Mob soldiers dressed in pretty uniforms and decorated with medals to give an impression of authenticity. Drilled into mock-disciplined units to hide what they really are: Low level enforcers clashing with heavies from other outfits, or handing out punishment beatings to those who refuse control or won't pay protection money.

Religions often act as a cement for these organisations. They lend a respectable tone to the people in charge, sometimes bestowing divine status on various gang leaders. In return they are given territory in which to collect lucre, some of which is doled out to charities, for the sake of appearance, but mostly used for personal gain. Massively expensive houses of worship don't build themselves, or suddenly materialise through force of will in prayer. Remember, it's a business. Forget prostitution, religion is the oldest profession, and for all their pious talk, their souls really are for sale.

Alms for the poor?

Some associations can do away with the military and religious wings all together, focusing entirely on the economic, which is just as effective, and can match either in ferocity or zeal. Once enough tokens have been collected, corporations can purchase any power they need; even buy off entire nations.

Justice is an illusion. It doesn't exist, it never did. Random crimes unconnected with the higher echelons are punished in the most visible way, allowing us to think our societies are righteous. At the same time, the syndicate leaders maintain a suitably dignified image (if they're seen at all), and always remain completely immune from prosecution. In the end, everyone contributes to the racketeering. Exploitation comes as standard. The imbalance must be maintained.

Any institution as unstable as this naturally wants to collapse. Let it.