Firstly, I think the world is a better place. Compare the world with what it was like in the past and the situation (for humans) uis definitely on the improve ( before you start googling some recent catastrophes, have a look at this video or of you don't like videos there is a transcript on the right hand side ) But the world can always get better, I think letting China and India continuing the progress they are making now will make life better for large percentage of the world's population (remember these countries cannot become a Western democracy in a day, but they are on their way ,we need to support them ). India and China are making great investments in Africa which seem to bring good results. For Western people ,taking a holistic approach to politics is the best thing we can do. Step one - accept the complexity of situation (no more good vs bad) . Step two - avoid forcing your values on others (including values like democracy and human rights) . Step three - don't be afraid of hierarchies, but look for holonic ones . Ken Wilber books are good starting points