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A mathematical model that looked at the sudden collapse of empires or states was created, with an intent to look at why social disorder can appear from an apparently stable state (an example cited is the Arab Spring in 2011). Factions within a state make choices described by game-theory about whether to accept the political status quo, or to attempt to better their circumstances through costly rebellion.
We find that a small amount of dissatisfaction is typically harmless to the state, but can trigger sudden collapse when there is a sufficient buildup of political inequality. Contrary to intuition, a state is predicted to be least stable when its leadership is at the height of its political power and thus most able to exert its influence through external warfare, lavish expense or autocratic decree.
(Score: 2, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 14 2014, @08:59PM
Most politicians are HORRIBLE military commanders
It seems like now would be an apt time to quote Congressman Jack Murtha (D-PA-12) aka Bird Colonel John Patrick Murtha, Jr. USMC Retired.
"I like guys who got five deferments and [who have] never been there and [who] send people to war and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."
He was referring, of course, to the chickenhawks in the Dubya administration (y'know, the Deserter-in-Chief). [texasmonthly.com]
There is still a $10,000 reward [google.com] for anyone who can provide proof that George W. Bush showed up and served in the Alabama National Guard during, y'know, "a time of war" as the never-served warmongers like to call those.
-- gewg_