The legacy of colonialism frequently results in state failure. This pattern is evident across Central and South America, Africa, and the Middle East, where former colonies often struggle with systemic corruption, instability, and a lack of diversified industry—beyond resource extraction such as oil or minerals. A practical benchmark is whether one would choose to reside in these nations; the answer is typically negative. Regions south of the United States border, as well as the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and much of Southeast Asia, often appear to be sustained by precarious arrangements.

One might argue that the United States faces comparable challenges, particularly given recent proposals such as a $5,000 bribe can’t get any more third world than that. On a global scale, few nations offer favorable living conditions. Many countries endure prolonged conflict before achieving stability—a trajectory familiar from European history, which persisted until approximately World War II. There is little evidence that other regions will achieve cohesion without similar upheaval; such a process has not been observed elsewhere in human history without war, conflict and suffering with a little ethnic cleansing thrown into the mix. Historically, neighboring nations have provided minimal assistance in facilitating development for one another it’s been sink or swim, baby.