More from Guns, Germs and Steel:
Kleptocracy = transferring net wealth from commoners to upper classes (elite)
4 types of sollutions that kleptocrats use:
1. Disarm the populace and arm the elite.
2. Make the masses happy by redistributing much of the tribute received, in popular ways.
3. Use the monopoly of force to promote happiness, by maintaining public order and curbing violence
4. Construct an ideology or religion justifying kleptocracy.
Depending on perspective these strategies could be seen as very effective and good for mankind in general. At least historically. Once again, I wonder if it could be time for something new…?