Kakistocracy in fictions?

[CheertheSecond]

How does a world of kakistocracy even existed? I know authors can do whatever they want but I struggle to find a logical reason for a government like this to not implode almost immediately when it begun.

 

[laccoff_mawning]

Isn't this just the natural progression of corruption in a nation?

As for why it wouldn't immediately explode, well, that would imply the subjects of the nation are willing to stand up and do something about it. If you give yourself a lazy populace just as corrupt as the government that runs it, I think it would be stable enough to last a while.

Imagine a society where everyone is unhappy, but everyone decides they are somehow able to take the role of the observer, and say that their quality of living is someone else's problem. Leaders are constantly replaced by people even more incompetent. At some point it's going to explode, sure, but not immediately, because that implies someone is willing to actually do something about the situation.

 

[CheertheSecond]

Isn't this just the natural progression of corruption in a nation?

As for why it wouldn't immediately explode, well, that would imply the subjects of the nation are willing to stand up and do something about it. If you give yourself a lazy populace just as corrupt as the government that runs it, I think it would be stable enough to last a while.

Imagine a society where everyone is unhappy, but everyone decides they are somehow able to take the role of the observer, and say that their quality of living is someone else's problem. Leaders are constantly replaced by people even more incompetent. At some point it's going to explode, sure, but not immediately, because that implies someone is willing to actually do something about the situation.

What I mean is that with incompetency on top, the efficiency of the nation regarding productivity will go down. It will not be weird for starvation and shortage of materials to set in quickly and destroy the kakistocracy.

 

[laccoff_mawning]

the efficiency of the nation regarding productivity will go down. It will not be weird for starvation and shortage of materials to set in quickly and destroy the kakistocracy.

The starvation would only affect the peasants. Now, why would the suffering of the peasants affect the great rulers of our fair land? If the peasents suffer, or rebel, they'll be the first to go. And there's plenty more peasants to replace them.

 

[Joyager2]

‘Kakistocracy’ is much more of a descriptive term than anything else. It’s used to describe nations by those who are critical of the state and is less a form of government than a term used to criticize any particular government. They exist, certainly, in that there are and have been many deeply incompetent and poorly-managed states, but never for long, and which governments qualify is largely a matter of opinion (with some exceptions).

 

[CheertheSecond]

The starvation would only affect the peasants. Now, why would the suffering of the peasants affect the great rulers of our fair land? If the peasents suffer, or rebel, they'll be the first to go. And there's plenty more peasants to replace them.

Not really. In medieval Europe, there was a period where there is shortage of peasants.

Moreover, lack of materials will affect everyone.

I am trying to make a serious discussion to understand the concept here. Not really joking around.

 

[Corty]

Kaki means poop in my language.

So.... it checks out.

 

[RepresentingDesire]

I guess in a Kakistocracy all those who are in a govermental position are just puppets of oligarchs or similar non-governmental forces of similar power. Or those in governmental position are just good at influencing peoples and got this way their position.

 

[Gray_Mann]

Kakistocracy?

Leave me and Afghanistan alone please.

 

[ConansWitchBaby]

Colonies would fit the bill.

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

For a time such a nation may be judged with evil rulers, but such things are done so that righteous wrath might be built up and unleashed in all it's glory. Justice will be established, it is only a matter of time.

 

[Goodmann]

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How does a world of kakistocracy even existed? I know authors can do whatever they want but I struggle to find a logical reason for a government like this to not implode almost immediately when it begun.

If the position of power is obtained by assassinating all other contenders, either personally or by hiring the most/best assassins, there may be both zero competence & strong incentive not to speak up against the idiot in charge.
In a democracy, the ability to raise money & successfully run for office may have little correlation with actual competence in office -- and sh*theads often are loudest

 

[CheertheSecond]

If the position of power is obtained by assassinating all other contenders, either personally or by hiring the most/best assassins, there may be both zero competence & strong incentive not to speak up against the idiot in charge.
In a democracy, the ability to raise money & successfully run for office may have little correlation with actual competence in office -- and sh*theads often are loudest

It still doesn't seem like it could last long enough to be printed on newspaper.

 

[Goodmann]

It still does seem like it could last long enough to be printed on newspaper.

Pravda, perhaps? 'All the news that's fit to print' can be a slippery concept when the powerfully offended are known to hire arsonists

 

[Rezcore]

Social Inertia is an amazing thing. After Rome fell, people still paid taxes to a state now extinct

 

[SternenklarenRitter]

One form of government too incompetent to function is effective anarchy. "We have a government?" "Yeah, they send some clowns/politicians to preach every few years." "I don't remember paying taxes though." "They 'work' for free. We haven't paid taxes since before I was born." "You turned 90 last year." "Yeah. Government. Good joke LOL."