Yes true, "follow the money" is very predictive of bad behavior. You are probably aware that China has very handsomely funded US environmental groups that engage in litigation and advocacy against the fossil fuel industry and that Qatar, among other Islamic States, provide loads of financial support to academic institutions promoting anti-western sentiment. I agree, a country has to diligently maintain its Western ideals to avert collapse. Too many of us assume that most people in the world want the same things that we do and that they are happy to see Western cultures advance and thrive.
Yes true, "follow the money" is very predictive of bad behavior. You are probably aware that China has very handsomely funded US environmental groups that engage in litigation and advocacy against the fossil fuel industry and that Qatar, among other Islamic States, provide loads of financial support to academic institutions promoting anti-western sentiment. I agree, a country has to diligently maintain its Western ideals to avert collapse. Too many of us assume that most people in the world want the same things that we do and that they are happy to see Western cultures advance and thrive.