The decline affects politics and economics from "summary" of The Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler
The decline of a civilization is not confined to its art, culture, or society; it extends its impact to the realms of politics and economics as well. As a civilization reaches its peak and begins its decline, the political and economic structures that once upheld its power and vitality start to show signs of decay. In the realm of politics, the decline manifests in the loss of a shared sense of purpose and direction among the ruling elite. The once-strong unity that held the civilization together starts to disintegrate, giving way to internal conflict, corruption, and power struggles. The institutions that once served the common good become tools for personal gain and manipulation. As a result, the political system becomes increasingly ineffective and unable to address the challenges facing the civilization. Similarly, in the realm of economics, the decline leads to a breakdown of the productive forces that once drove the civilization's prosperity. Economic activity becomes stagnant, innovation diminishes, and wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a few. The once-thriving markets and trade networks start to falter, leading to economic stagnation and decline. The inequalities that emerge exacerbate social tensions and further weaken the fabric of the civilization. The intertwined nature of politics and economics means that the decline of one inevitably affects the other. A dysfunctional political system hampers economic growth and stability, while economic stagnation undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of political institutions. The downward spiral of politics and economics feeds into each other, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates the civilization's decline.- The decline of a civilization is a complex and multifaceted process that permeates every aspect of its existence. The erosion of political and economic structures is not just a symptom of decline; it is a key driver that hastens the civilization's descent into irrelevance and oblivion. Only by understanding and addressing the interconnected nature of these forces can a civilization hope to reverse its decline and chart a new course towards renewal and regeneration.
