How Governments Collapse (and How Close We May Be) – Opinion

The Han, one of the most important dynasties of Chinese history is widely considered to be the founding father of China today. It’s government existed for about 400 years (202 BC – 220 AD), and at its height, it was a center of progress and advancement in the ancient world.

This empire collapse actually lasted just 30 years. It all began in 189AD, when Emperor Ling died and left no heirs. However, it was long before this that the emperors started growing their harems and needed to protect their wives from any outside interference. Eunuchs, who were the protectors for concubines, were created. With so much trust in them and seeing so much behind the scenes, the concubines’ protectors became more demanding of the emperors. The emperors were more open to giving the eunuchs more power and trust.

The eunuchs became the true rulers of the government, giving top political posts to their family and friends. The corrupt Han bureaucracies demanded bribes from citizens and local governors. The people were furious.

Meanwhile, Emperor Ling retreated more and more from the governance, and allowed the eunuchs to run the show. The Emperor spent most of his time with concubines or attending military parades. The Emperor was an individual who appeared to be only there for the show, and his eunuchs performed everything for him in their name for their benefit.

A series of rebellions that started before Emperor Ling’s death saw the rise of several warlords, each of whom saw how corrupt and weak the Han Dynasty had become and how easy it might be to take charge. The Yellow Turban Rebellion was the largest rebellion and it spanned almost the whole empire for a full year. Long-abandoned citizens and farmers were encouraged by religious leaders to rebel against the government. The empire urged all warlords and generals to get involved in the fight.

These warlords believed the eunuchs were responsible for rebellions and weakness in Han. Although they managed to wipe them out eventually, the damage had been done. After decades of war, China was divided into three kingdoms, and finally reunited under the Jin.

The United States has a politicized CDC today that demands everyone mask up in order to combat COVID-19. However, there is no proof that masking actually works. Schools boards seem to be fighting parents at all costs, insisting parents don’t have the right to influence how education is managed. Everything from Afghanistan withdrawal to economy and COVID-19 has been a failure of the Biden administration. There have been several unjust murders of black men in our criminal justice system (and in Louisiana, there was a cover up that reached the top levels of command).

These are just a few of the many other things. Does it surprise that both political parties can find the concept of systemic failings so appealing?

The Han is right. Civil unrest stems from a lack trust and faith in our leaders, the government, and the system. It is not possible to think that voting for another person will make a difference. Many people are drawn to Washington D.C. every day with the promise that they will see change, and seldom do they achieve anything more than being part of it. There is no change. Bureaucracies get more entrenched, and are harder to change. The exchange of political favors is a common practice.

It is impossible for a government to function as this. A government cannot exist without their support. Yet, it’s really trying. Change is necessary, but not radical. It must not be a violent overthrow and it should not only be partisan. All parties must be involved. Everyone must agree that our government should listen to people and not rule over them. We must eliminate all autocratic tendencies from any side.

The history of our founding is one of compromises, which gives the power of government to the people. This power eventually was removed. Legislative power was transferred to bureaucratic entities that are not accountable to legislative branches and which cannot be controlled by the executive. The executive has greater power than is necessary, and it can be checked by the courts. This system is completely out of balance.

It lost the trust of its people, and thus collapsed Han Dynasty. Although the United States might not fall apart, it will devolve further and cease functioning completely if they cannot win back their trust. It is not clear that anyone wants to do this. They only want their own power to stop the decline.