> Elites should understand (though some apparently don't) that a stable society benefits them as much as anyone. What good is your wealth if you have to spend a lot of it on security? The stress isn't worth it.

It doesn't work like that. A lot of people do their best (including in politics in current governments).

If they fell too much, they will be replaced by another group (probably more progressist).

We can have a war between the two phases (in Europe). Europe is not stable anymore.