I have been wondering why things seem more chaotic in recent times than of yore. Naturally I question my perception of this apparent phenomena (is it just me?). But truly though, I do things the world is more chaotic than thirty years ago.

Some of this is easily explainable. From 1945 until 1991, the political world was essentially divided by the competing ideologies of East and West, Communism and Capitalism, if you like. So much was locked into these systems that the opportunity for chaos by wayward actors was constrained. Nobody wanted a hot war so most matters were contestations by proxy, all over the globe.

The end of that system has meant that we have reverted in many ways to the 'great power' arrangements of the 19th century. In this system, China, the USA, Russia and other emerging states (such as India) or confederations such as the EU compete for markets and military supremacy, if they so desire. You can see where things might easily go wrong.

Enter the strange post-truth age we seem to live in and the ascent of an indolent, lawless man to the US Presidency and the recipe for more chaos is complete. You might also add climate change in too, another element of unpredictability.

I don't know where it might end - perhaps a reversion to politics in the old way - or a descent into a maelstrom that cannot be described, nor ever desired. I think its a grim picture, though not without hope.