What can possibly happen when the violence in Syria subsides? Nothing but more dictatorship. What can possibly happen when the violence in Ukraine subsides? More dictatorship, once again. And what can possibly happen when the violence anyplace else around the world subsides? Only more dictatorship, to be sure. If the countries in question are lucky, they will get dictators like Putin. If not, tough. By and by, the number and toughness of dictatorships will grow. As Putins of this world are rare, an ever-larger number of people will live in fear. The fear will grow. Dictators and their stooges will gradually drive their countries toward feudalism in new guises. Natural resources of all kinds, including arable land, will fall into the hands of a few. Add climate change, which is getting out of hand already, and feudalism can only get tougher and tougher. Is this science fiction of sorts—say, science fiction in reverse? Far from it. Only clear vision of the only future available today. Enjoy!

Addendum (January 27, 2017)

Donald Trump fits into the picture painted three years ago no less than perfectly. Although he will face some resistance in the years to come, he will come out victorious in the end. The American hoi polloi will be behind him without fail, as ever. And dictator wannabes in Europe will follow Trump’s example at a clip. France, the Netherlands, and perhaps even Germany are ready for political turmoil. The European hoi polloi will see to that, as well. Returning to clear vision, more dictatorship is a safe bet. Climate change and the growing pressure of refugees from Asia, Africa, and South America will soon complete the pretty picture. Enjoy, enjoy!