[simonh]

It’s not a matter of uniqueness, but scale and frequency. People are still people in any system, and no system is perfect, but that doesn’t mean some systems aren’t clearly far, far better than others.

Let’s take the Australian bush fires. The response of the PM has been widely criticised and the fire chief and regional governments have taken the lead and been very effective, even heroic in their efforts.

In an authoritarian system it would be impossible for the most effective and organised arms if government to push in and get things done, even if I’n theory they lack the ultimate authority. Competence and public support matter. In an authoritarian system the only thing that matters is authority. Competence doesn’t even get you a seat at the table.