2. Corruption of Leadership
Corruption at the top can fatally undermine a civilization’s foundations. When leaders prioritize personal gain over public duty, trust in institutions quickly erodes. During the waning days of the Han Dynasty, corrupt officials siphoned resources and weakened the state’s ability to respond to crises. The Byzantine Empire also suffered as bribery and nepotism became rampant. Today, watchdogs like Transparency International track how corruption continues to threaten the stability of nations worldwide.
