The question if democracy or autocracy is the better form of government has been debated since the time of Aristotle.

And it has returned in recent years as China and its model of authoritarian capitalism challenges the US model of free-market democracy.

Democracy and capitalism had emerged as the only legitimate means of organizing domestic economies and politics.

But the return of great power rivalry between the United States and Russia and China in recent years have disrupted that happy notion.

Russia seeks to disrupt the US – led global system, while China seeks to displace it. China’s economy has grown at rapid rates.

EEconomists predict that China could overtake the United States as the world’s leading economy within the decade.

The Chinese Communist Party has increased its diplomatic influence in every region of the world through big, strategic plans.

And it is investing in weapons that could one day evict the US military from Asia and eventually make China a global military power in its own right.

China seems to have cracked the code on how to build an autocratic system effective at amassing international power and influence. You must become accustomed to life when China rules the world.

Autocrats have the advantage because they can be ruthless in a dangerous world.

Dictators are not bothered with elections or changes in government, therefore they can better set and maintain a long-run strategic direction.

Autocrats have put up serious fights, but they have struggled to maintain enduring global mastery. Autocratic leaders fear their people above all else.

The rise of autocratic powers often ends, not in triumph, but in succession crises, regime collapse, and civil disorder.

So, the real dilemma rests in Moscow and Beijing. If Putin and Xi cling to power, then they will be destined to rule over dangerous, second-rate, global powers.

If they want their countries to become truly great, then they must relinquish office and establish the kind of democratic institutions that have been a pre-requisite for lasting international leadership since time immemorial.

Monarchs, Rulers, Dynasties and Kingdoms of the World: A guide to 13,000 rulers and 1,000 dynasties from 3000 BC to 2000 AC is a record of mperors in a single volume published in 1983.

It is a good reference for finding the main rulers of a particular part of the World at various times.

Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back,
Even while we sleep,
We will find you acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on mother nature
Everybody wants to rule the World

It’s my own desire, it’s my own remorse.
Help me to decide.
Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the World

There’s a room where the light won’t find you
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down
When they do, I’ll be right behind you
So glad we’ve almost made it
So sad they had to fade it
Everybody wants to rule the World

I can’t stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision
Everybody wants to rule the World

Say that you’ll never, never, never, never need it
One headline, why believe it?
Everybody wants to rule the World

All for freedom and for pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the World