What Really Rules

Underlying the veneer of international affairs, long ago there already is no such thing as rules based order, for the standards of such rules are determined by those who can. Ponder more if you agree the following factors are more relevant, persistent and practised in the conduct of world affairs, politics and human matters. Alliances and Peer Pressure. There is more pressure on governments of various kinds to show support for the articulated actions and thoughts of allies, then dabbling in self intelligence and independent approaches - especially when one ally carries more weight than the others. Some nations may have to reflect if their alliance partner status may be lost once they are no longer useful to the chief ally. Reflect on how the two world wars of the 20th century developed. Cultural Sentiment and the Diaspora Effect. When some nations and societies are formed through shared history, the cultural vibes can over rule other considerations. Generations of humans, even if residing in disparate territories, have been inculcated into the same language, philosophies and ideals from an early age. That over bearing sense of belonging gives a uniqueness which has to be protected and strengthened through the ages, come what may. This can be related to the social mesh of tribal dynamics. Trade Dependency. It can be common sense to know where the food comes from, who brings home the bacon (so to speak) and to not jeopardise your main market who pays the cash. Yet there have been episodes around the world where economies have thrashed those who buy most from them. Apart from food sources, world trade thrives on energy needs, vital minerals, manufacturing components for weapons, health products and telecommunications plus niche items. Economic Prowess and Market Power. If you can pull and leverage on what makes the world tick and grow, there can be a ruthlessness in the exercise of such dominating abilities. Some do so just because they can and all polite talk is thrown out the window. More competition can erode such wrecklessness, but lack of competition is a form of so called free market forces that are ruinous. Independent Abilities. When your society has optimal leadership to manage an economy despite the lack of physical resources, it is a telling sign of how potential can truly become reality. It is also useful as an example of how to rise above challenges, risks and weaknesses. The ability to transform and compete can be nurtured, encouraged and maintained. Underlying rhe success of such growth nations is their ability to recognise and exercise their strategic advantage/ differential play, despite accompanying weaknesses. Historical Animosities. Conflicts that rage on in the hearts of various succeeding generations can lead to more destruction and overtones of emotional anguish. Beliefs can be portrayed in black and white, with no compromise for meeting opinions half way. The persistent human tendencies for scoring an eye for an eye churns negativities into more complicated forms. Human beings like these are obsessed with an attachment to beliefs that can be manipulated by certain individuals and organisations to their private and selfish advantage. Colonial Cords. For a few centuries, most of the non European world was colonised. Reasons for such a rise in widespread colonialism can be an imbalance in the power of technology, living standards, funding and passion for trade on the part of the colonisers. Some societies were already easily down trodden for conquest in the luck of the draw. The effects of past and present colonisation still exist in the influence of language, perception, beliefs, inequity of international relationships and culture. Some previous colonial powers still remain strong in exerting decisions made over world wide entities and matters. Their economic prowess can remain formidable even if the sun of colonisation is supposed to have long ago set below the horizon. Technological Links and Enablers. The quality and quantity of technology employed, whether for war or peace time purposes, is a key differentiator in history. Technology can fast track efficiency, robustness and superiority. Technology enables growth in finances, economy and power held. When the means of technology is employed for less desirable purposes, that is what we should be more aware and cautious of. Food and Energy Security. Human societies have to be realistic - the bottom line is to have sufficient food to nurture human strengths, thinking abilities and physical optimums. Few nations produce more food than they can consume. The same goes for energy requirements to propel transport, electricity and data centres. When you rely on importing what you do not have, you are dependent on risks in supply lines, trade relationships and public security. When a society or country has only a few weeks supply of materials, produce or products indispensable to its survival or viability, good leadership works on mitigating such risks to its independence. Religious Motivations. The drive of religion underlying political actions is most readily observed. Such power is embedded in existing religious based institutions that call on the masses to take action and decisions that glorify higher powers and thereby justify the necessary sacrifices to be made. The Migrant Factor. The Us Versus Them argument hypes up the corral under siege logic, in that inherent problems in a society are alleged to be caused by recent arrivals or perceived outsiders. Instead of realistically resolving the causes of a problem, the blame game in politics can be an easy manipulation of the more vulnerable in the community. Benefits brought by migration are downplayed while racial harmony is ruthlessly broken. Power Families, Funds and Hubs. Old money and new money can join forces discreetly and quietly to be puppet masters in local and international politics. Media, fund movers, secret groupings and choice of government leaders operate in the background with unannounced priorities, agendas and execution. Those at the Top Can Often Do So, especially at the height of their powers, without justifying any regulation, ethics or requirement. Man made precedents can be removed in the guise of emergencies, external threats and sheer exercise of control, especially if the army is behind you - and all protestations of legality are thrown out the window. The Grip of Political Ideologies. Legacies from the 19th and 20th centuries still vibrate in differences of governance systems. Can the original tenets of democratic ideals truly work and be effective with millions of voters, gerrymandering of electorate boundaries, interference in vote counts and the speculation of polls? Communism is painted by liberals as covered with dictatorships. Can communist principles exist with a capitalistic economic framework and mindset? Go figure, observe and make up your own mind. Remoteness in Geographical Locations. Does this offer a layer of protection against the effects of the more violent parts of the World? Advances in technology can make all corners of Earth more accessible. The overpowering chains of alliances can demand isolated places to decide and make a stand or take sides. Information Access and Influence. Control of personal information, commercially useful data and so called smart device daily use analysis are so significant to any party controlling the world. Individually or collectively, the data amassed are not only utilised to determine patterns of present consumption, but become the basis of predictive science, AI learning and behavioural monitoring. Continuing Addictions of the Masses. Power and control by the distinct few are enhanced by giving peanuts to the masses, utilising the opium effect by ensuring addictive stupor on those whom you wish to manipulate and by ensuring constant socio-economic distractions for the majority in any society. Most of the world's economic wealth is held by a decreasing minority of the Earth's population. Even in contemporary times, do reflect on how a typical human being's effort, time and skills are spent on mundane, repetitive and relatively not so worthwhile activities. #yongkevthoughts