Regardless of type, regardless of history, or past successes, the economy of a government is the most important way of assessing strength. Without a strong economy, a government is not only incapable of motivating others to ally with it, it is also incapable of maintaining the loyalty of its own citizenry or employees.

The Romans faced many upheavals directly related to the failure of the state to maintain its economy. The emperors and the Republic both habitually overspent on civic projects and city improvements. They led the world in the “quality of life” but were unable to keep their troops paid. As a result, they either were overthrown by their very own generals, or were unable to motivate people to defend their borders from outside invaders.

Even the formation of the United States begins with economics. The UK was seeking to recoup lost money from the French and Indian War, as well as its efforts in the 1700’s on the continent against Napoleon. As a result they raised taxes in the colonies to hopefully alleviate the debts they had accrued. “No Taxation without Representation” was the cry of the rebels.

And now, in the modern era, people are beginning to realize that our government is bought and sold on the open market by big corporations. Politician’s loyalty lies with the big donations and international financiers who are able to spurn out the advertising campaigns that sway gullible minds and win elections. The laws of the last 100 years soundly reflect this. Taxes continue to climb, and people expect more and more services in return- public education, public healthcare, etc, etc, etc. All the while the debt skyrockets, inflation climbs, and the US has more and more trouble meeting its financial responsibilities without destabilizing the currency. Our influence has ebbed and now recedes abroad. Our allies and their economies sink with us and so they cut ties and reconsider their loyalties. Foreign powers gain in strength and sphere of influence.

How much longer till we are unable to defend ourselves and we become a decrepit relic whose internal regions breakaway and go to war with one another on religious, economic, and ethnic divides? Russia has Chechnya and Georgia. Why not the US facing down an economically independent Alaska, or a staunchly rebellious Maine?

Like I said. Buy guns, buy canned goods, buy bunker building material. And buy defensible real estate. When the collapse comes, you could be King or Queen or Duke of your own fiefdom.

(This is all slightly doom and gloom and perhaps a bit fantastical. But there is no doubt that we show many signs of a government or state on the verge of major upheaval. Welcome to Socialism!)