Lessons learnt from history: Analysis of past transitions and transformations

Abstract

Although the GSG depicts future global scenarios, similar transformations and transitions including barbarization and reform scenarios as well as the creation of new paradigms could be observed over the course of the past five centuries. Such changes do not always happen purely accidentally, but are often artificially triggered or steered by ambitious and influential individuals, dynasties, and powerful entities. Looking back in history, dramatic transformations in several parts of the globe were mainly influenced by Western powers. Sometimes, those who have the networks and the money to steer transformations have studied history profoundly enough to provoke certain patterns. Frequently, invisible driving forces and players hide behind visible transformations; transformations themselves are sometimes largely invisible, carefully hidden from the public eye. Notwithstanding, there is a certain dynamics in human relations and reactions, partly depending from cultural characteristics, so that envisioned transformations can succeed, fail, or end up with a compromise. In many cases, hidden power players steered and still steer transformations and transitions by economic means.