Greedy corporations, selfish politicians and criminal organizations dominate the planet. Most governments are having severe financial problems and are continuously less able to provide services and safety for their citizens. Many are only bankrupt shells of their previous selves.

The fabric of society is badly torn. The divide between the rich and the poor is more staggering than ever. The old power structures have fragmented, and corporations and special interest groups have become more influential than governments.

Roads, bridges, and public buildings everywhere are crumbling. Large portions of the public services previously delivered by governments and much of the physical infrastructure such as roadways and utilities systems have now been privatized. Citizens now must pay for many common services that were previously taken for granted.

Although digital technology has been advancing for several decades, those advances did not produce many benefits for the general population. Despite some new technologies, the world is experiencing its most severe energy crisis ever.
With the tremendous increase in the number of local armed conflicts around the world, the military-industry complex is thriving. Notable advances have been made in the manufacture of firearms, combat vehicles and military drone tech.