My own observation from watching the succession process in small but successful business firms in LA in the '70s was that they often, upon the death or disability of the founder, ended up being run by an accountant and I noted to one hapless, technical salesman working for such a firm in such a situation: "Companies run by accountants go broke! - unless they are accounting firms." He quickly agreed. It is slightly different with countries but the same logic applies. Dysfunction results.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."