Kraterocracy: Difference between revisions

Kraterocracy, derived from the Greek word "kratos" meaning "strength" or "power," establishes a system of governance fundamentally based on the principle that power and strength are the ultimate determinants of authority and legitimacy. The expression "might makes right" is the core tenet of this system, suggesting that those who are capable of asserting their dominance—either through physical force, manipulation, or other forms of coercion—are justified in their rule.

=== Physical Dominance ===

In a Kraterocracy, physical dominance is the most apparent and straightforward form of power. This system places a high value on martial skills and the ability to intimidate or defeat opponents through sheer force. Historically, this can be seen in warrior societies where the strongest or most capable fighter often becomes the leader. Examples include various tribal societies and feudal systems, where chieftains or warlords rose to power based on their combat prowess.

In such societies, the government and social order are often militarized, with a strong emphasis on training, discipline, and readiness for conflict. Military leaders or those with substantial combat experience are usually revered and hold significant influence. Public policies may prioritize defense spending, weaponry, and maintaining a robust military presence, both domestically and abroad.

=== Manipulative Power ===

Beyond brute strength, Kraterocracy can also favor those who excel in manipulation, using psychological and rhetorical skills to gain and hold power. This form of power is wielded by demagogues who can sway public opinion through persuasive oratory, propaganda, and exploiting societal fears and prejudices. Historical examples include figures like Julius Caesar, who combined military prowess with exceptional oratory and political maneuvering, or Adolf Hitler, who used propaganda and mass rallies to manipulate and mobilize the populace.

In modern contexts, media control, misinformation campaigns, and charismatic leadership are tools for maintaining power. Leaders may manipulate democratic processes, such as rigging elections or suppressing dissent, to maintain their hold on power. These tactics create an illusion of legitimacy and public support while undermining true democratic principles.

=== Imperialism and Ultranationalism ===

Kraterocratic regimes often pursue imperialistic and ultranationalist agendas. These regimes justify expansion and conquest as natural expressions of their superior power and right to dominate. Historical imperial powers, such as the Roman Empire or the British Empire during the colonial era, operated on principles that resonate with Kraterocracy—believing their dominance over others was justified by their perceived superiority.

Ultranationalism, a key aspect of many kraterocracies, fosters a strong sense of national identity and pride, often to the detriment of other nations or ethnic groups. This can lead to xenophobic policies, aggressive territorial expansion, and the suppression of minority groups within the state. Modern examples include certain authoritarian regimes that aggressively assert their dominance over neighboring countries or minority populations, often citing historical or cultural justifications for their actions.

=== Racism and Sexism ===

Kraterocratic ideologies frequently incorporate and institutionalize racism and sexism. By asserting that certain groups are inherently superior and more fit to rule, these systems perpetuate social hierarchies and inequalities. For example, Nazi Germany's ideology of Aryan superiority justified the genocide of Jews and other minorities, while apartheid in South Africa was based on the belief in white superiority over black South Africans.

Sexism in kraterocratic systems often manifests in patriarchal structures where women are systematically excluded from positions of power and decision-making. Societies governed by such principles may enforce strict gender roles, limit women's rights, and maintain laws and practices that subordinate women. This reinforces the power of a dominant male elite, often justified through notions of natural gender differences.

In real life, especially in the modern world, Kraterocracy does not tend to proliferate because the apex of a human's innate power is not that great compared to what collective effort can create (no one is strong enough to survive a sniper bullet to the head or to blow up a tank with bare hands, in a nutshell). However, in ancient times kraterocracies did exist.

===[[File:Sparta.png]] Sparta===

Sparta was an ancient Greek polis epitomizing the concept of Kraterocracy, where power is held by the strong. The legendary lawgiver Lycurgus is credited with founding Spartan society, establishing its unique social structure and austere, militaristic culture. Spartan society was divided into three main castes: the Spartiates, full citizens and professional soldiers; the Perioeci, free non-citizens engaged in commerce and craftsmanship; and the Helots, state-owned serfs working the land. Governance was marked by a dual kingship, with two hereditary rulers from the Agiad and Eurypontid families serving as military commanders and high priests. The Gerousia, a council of elders, proposed laws and made crucial decisions, while the Apella, an assembly of male citizens, voted on these proposals.

Spartan culture focused on creating a society ruled by the strongest and most capable warriors. This began with the Agoge, a rigorous training program for boys starting at age seven, aimed at developing physical strength, survival skills, and combat proficiency. Boys endured harsh conditions to instill discipline and loyalty to the state. Weak or disabled infants were subjected to infanticide, ensuring that only the strongest survived to contribute to the Spartan military machine.

Most nomadic cultures focused on strength and combat as religious affairs under Tengri, the eternal blue sky. Children were raised as soldiers, horsemen, and hunters—born in the saddle, dying in the saddle. In these societies, power and leadership were often linked to martial prowess and the ability to protect and expand the tribe's territory. When Temujin, who would later be known as Genghis Khan, united the Mongols by union or subjugation, such as with the Tatars, he engaged in the conquest of all the steppe. His leadership epitomized Kraterocracy, as his authority was founded on his unmatched skills in warfare and strategy. Upon his ascension as Genghis Khan, or universal ruler, he solidified his power through a combination of strategic alliances and ruthless subjugation of rival tribes.

Under Genghis Khan's leadership, the Mongol Empire expanded at an unprecedented rate. However, it was only after his death that the Mongol policy of universal conquest truly flourished. The successors of Genghis Khan believed that the entire world was their domain under Tengri, and that all rulers of the world were either to become tributaries or be wiped off the face of the earth. This worldview further reinforced the kraterocratic nature of Mongol rule, where power was not just a means of governance but a divine mandate to dominate.

Despite their ruthless conquests, the peak of the Mongol Empire is also remembered for the Pax Mongolica—a period of relative peace and stability across the vast territories they controlled. It was said that a maiden could walk across the entire steppe with a gold plate on her head and come across without getting attacked, robbed, or other violence. This era of peace was possible precisely because of the Mongols' overwhelming strength and the fear they instilled in potential wrongdoers. The kraterocratic foundation of their empire ensured that law and order were maintained through the ever-present threat of swift and brutal retribution against any who dared to disrupt the peace.

===[[File:Crusadism.png]] Crusader States===

The bulk of the Crusader force was composed of ambitious knights and nobles trained in combat and command, often younger sons or those otherwise excluded from the main inheritance of their families. This served as a significant motivator for joining the Crusades, alongside the promise of Absolution for fighting against the heathens who held Jerusalem and threatened the Byzantine Empire. Crusaders were driven by the belief in their divine right to reclaim formerly Christian lands, aligning their military endeavors with religious duty and zeal.

A significant component of the Crusader armies were monastic orders dedicated entirely to the faith and knightly combat, such as the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and the Teutonic Knights. These orders embodied Kraterocracy by gaining extensive holdings and resources through their military prowess and strategic acumen. Their ability to protect and expand their domains reinforced their position of power within the Crusader states. Yet, despite their martial focus, the primary purpose of these military orders extended beyond conquest. They were responsible for the defense and well-being of pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, the establishment of hospitals, and the creation of leper camps for societal welfare. These activities, while benevolent, were also an extension of their kraterocratic authority, as they used their strength to maintain order and provide protection in the territories they controlled.

Under the divine right of their mission, Crusaders were expected to fight and conquer, solidifying their dominance through martial success. Their ability to govern and protect their holdings was a direct result of their military capabilities, further underscoring the kraterocratic nature of their rule. The Crusader states, maintained by the strength of these knightly orders, exemplify a system where power is achieved and upheld through force, aligning with the principles of Kraterocracy.

=== Contemporary Examples ===

In contemporary times, outright Kraterocracy is less common, but elements can still be observed. North Korea, under the Kim dynasty, maintains power through a combination of military strength, coercive control, and manipulative propaganda. Military juntas in countries like Myanmar have also exemplified kraterocratic principles, where the military seized control and justified their rule through the ability to maintain order and security by force.

Additionally, corporate environments sometimes reflect kraterocratic values, where aggressive competition and cutthroat tactics determine leadership. Companies where leaders rise through manipulative strategies, underhanded tactics, or sheer dominance over competitors can be seen as microcosms of Kraterocracy.