In my mid-30s, I had political ambitions. I didn’t like the way the world was headed. In the late 90s there was corruption and conflict and too many politicians clinging to power. Those things don’t go anywhere good. A shake-up would improve the situation.
I decided that if I were elected president of the US, I would shut everything down and start over with a fresh slate. I’d be a benevolent dictator – Empress Kristen – for a short time as my team of smart people turned things around. And then I’d step down and my vice president would take over to run a corruption-free system until the next election cycle.
It doesn’t sound all that different to what Project 2025 and Trump’s administration are doing, does it? Except…
In my scenario, government spending would be for the benefit of the people with world peace and gentle prosperity being the key goals. Everyone could embrace the idea of “free to be, you and me.” Taxes would pay for essential life services like healthcare, education, and living expenses. No corporations would benefit unfairly; no oligarchs would seize control.
It was a utopian dream, a thought experiment that ended when I realised I would have to live in the US for 12 consecutive years in order to qualify to run for President.
I’m not picking it up again. Never say ‘never’ but with more life experience, 26 living years in Japan, and with the state of the world as it is today, 12 years of US residence is unlikely. I do regret never getting a chance to crown myself Empress and wear a fancy gown.
Watching the dystopian version of my political fantasy play out in real life is scary. Would I have failed this badly, too? I don’t think so. Remaking the system isn’t the problem. It’s how its being done now and where that’s heading that is perilous.
I am confident I could have rebuilt the nation into a fine place. I am ‘aligned chaotic good’ and I hope for people to be happy, safe, and comfortable.
But lacking a coterie of savvy planners and keen political minds right now I am not sure how to execute a benevolent takeover of a nation. So I asked ChatGPT for a playbook:
A benevolent takeover must be peaceful, democratic, and people-centered. It requires a balance of political strategy, economic planning, and social unity to ensure long-term prosperity. The key is not just taking over but transforming the nation into a model of governance and opportunity.
Strategic Plan for a Benevolent Takeover
Objective: To peacefully assume leadership of a nation and implement policies that foster stability, economic growth, and the well-being of all citizens.
Phase 1: Strategic Positioning & Legitimacy
- Identify the Right Country
- Select a nation where governance is weak, corruption is high, and citizens are seeking change.
- Ensure there is public dissatisfaction with the current regime.
- Establish a Political & Social Influence Network
- Create alliances with influential leaders, scholars, business magnates, and reformists.
- Gain trust through philanthropy, education, and policy recommendations.
- Leverage Media & Public Opinion
- Use social media, journalism, and international platforms to spread an inspiring vision.
- Frame the movement as one for justice, progress, and opportunity for all.
- Ensure transparency to prevent being seen as an authoritarian force.
- International Diplomatic Support
- Seek backing from international organizations (UN, EU, regional bodies).
- Work with economic allies who would benefit from a stable government.
Phase 2: Gaining Political Control
- Democratic Pathway to Leadership
- Form a political movement or party based on reform.
- Win elections by presenting a strong, well-researched plan for the future.
- Encourage defections from the ruling elite who recognize the need for change.
- If Government is Resistant
- Use nonviolent resistance, protests, and civil disobedience to apply pressure.
- Engage key military and law enforcement figures to ensure neutrality.
- Use international pressure and sanctions to force peaceful negotiations.
Phase 3: Immediate Reforms for Stability
- Security & Justice System Reform
- Establish a corruption-free transitional government.
- Implement a fair justice system to address past crimes without causing division.
- Protect civil liberties and freedom of speech.
- Economic Recovery & Prosperity Plan
- Stabilize currency and restore investor confidence.
- Introduce incentives for local businesses and foreign investment.
- Focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and education reforms.
- Public Engagement & Reconciliation
- Unite different ethnic, religious, and political groups under a shared vision.
- Ensure media remains independent and free.
- Promote civic engagement and people-driven governance.
Phase 4: Long-Term Nation Building
- Education & Innovation Focus
- Invest in modern education systems that foster critical thinking and entrepreneurship.
- Establish research and development hubs to attract global talent.
- Sustainable Governance
- Decentralize power to avoid dictatorship.
- Ensure free and fair elections with strong institutions to prevent future corruption.
- Build partnerships with other nations for long-term prosperity.
- Global Integration
- Work toward making the country an economic and diplomatic leader in its region.
- Join global trade agreements, climate initiatives, and peacekeeping missions.
Sounds doable, doesn’t it? And feels like following this plan would be a good outcome for citizens and the world.
But, if you switch a takeover’s goals to world dominance, social control, and self-aggrandisement then this plan still make sense if the benevolent details turn to corrupt ones. Reread the list and imagine current events for the past few years and months:
Phase 1: Strategic Positioning & Legitimacy
- Identify the Right Country <- USA is ready for a change
- Establish a Political & Social Influence Network < started in 2016
- Leverage Media & Public Opinion <- since long before
- International Diplomatic Support <- make friends with dictators?
Phase 2: Gaining Political Control
- Democratic Pathway to Leadership <- rig the election in subtle legal ways
- If Government is Resistant <- overwhelm them with legal threats or bribes
Phase 3: Immediate Reforms for Stability Instability
- Security & Justice System Reform <- install people who are loyal to you
- Economic Recovery & Prosperity Plan <- only for your backers and supporters
- Public Engagement & Reconciliation <- get the citizens to give up and comply
Phase 4: Long-Term Nation Building
- Education & Innovation Focus <- kill education and deep thinking
- Sustainable Governance <- keep power and rotate through the lackeys
- Global Integration <- or domination or imperialism
And so it is coming to come to pass. What a world we are living in.
