Shin Dong-choon, Chairman of the Federation for Korean Unity, Ph.D. in Public Administration  Many countries worldwide are currently facing crises, and some regimes have collapsed. Let's examine the specific political, economic, and international factors that lead to crises through the cases of Nepal, Venezuela, and France. 

Politically, factors include one-party dictatorships and political instability, abuse of power by ruling elites, destruction of constitutions and institutions defining freedom and the rule of law, division of powers, and suppression of opposition to silence criticism. When the media colludes with power and loses its critical function, power becomes unchecked. Beyond the corruption and populism of ruling elites, the tyranny of militant labor unions stifles businesses and suppresses freedom of expression and religion. Politicians, driven by insatiable greed, expand their privileges and engage in populist giveaways to extend their political lives by gaining more votes. An oversized government and excessive civil servants also lead to inefficiency and waste. 

Regarding economic factors, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, in their co-authored book "Why Nations Fail?", argue that when inclusive economic institutions are adopted—ensuring secure private property, fair and impartial legal systems, and public services that guarantee a competitive environment for exchange and contracts—economic activity flourishes, productivity increases, and economic prosperity is achieved. Dictatorial regimes like North Korea have adopted extractive economic systems for the benefit of a few individuals and groups, creating a vicious cycle where exploitative political and economic systems reinforce each other synergistically.

Almost all countries facing crises excessively spend on welfare through socialist policies, leading to fiscal expansion and ballooning debt. This stems from self-deception that growth will continue, but when growth halts, the populace is reduced to poverty. Excessive regulation across the economy and various laws that cripple businesses lead to a loss of private sector vitality. Citizens accustomed to welfare oppose reforms related to pension finances and labor unions, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The widening gap between the rich and poor, and intergenerational conflicts intensify, leading to public anger, resistance, and ultimately, rebellion. 

International factors include the rise of globalism since the 1990s, which enabled the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across borders (WTO, OECD agreements). This led to large-scale illegal immigration (with causes like the Arab Spring, Syrian civil war, Venezuelan tyranny, and the Ukraine-Russia war) and the emergence of international drug cartels. Recently, anti-immigrant sentiment and protests have spread globally. Furthermore, wars stemming from long-standing religious conflicts and territorial ambitions have disrupted global supply chains, and the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated economies. Some countries, like Venezuela and Russia, have suffered further economic ruin due to international sanctions. Trump's MAGA movement reflects a reassessment of globalism's drawbacks and the adoption of nationalism as a new governing philosophy. 

Collapse of the Nepalese Regime 

In early September 2025, the Nepalese government led by Prime Minister Sharma Oli collapsed due to massive protests. The ban on all social media triggered outrage among the younger generation, symbolically demonstrating Chinese influence by mimicking Chinese internet control.

The Oli government was the 14th government since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Political instability and corruption were rampant, with the political elite and their children ("Nepo Kids") displaying lavish lifestyles, while youth unemployment reached 10% and per capita GDP stood at only $1,447.

Nepal's economy relies on remittances from overseas workers (which doubled after COVID-19), but domestic industries have declined. Although Nepal received $41 million from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), there were significant concerns about it leading to a debt trap. Recent protests saw communist flags burned, with chants of "End of Communist Nepal," mirroring patterns of youth-led government overthrows in Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024).

Oli leaned towards China, signing a transportation agreement in 2016, joining the BRI in 2017, and renewing the MOU for the BRI in 2024. This was an attempt to reduce dependence on India, which accounts for over 60% of Nepal's trade, but it resulted in delayed infrastructure investments and border disputes with China. Oli's recent visit to China, where he attended a military parade before enforcing the social media ban, was perceived as "importing Chinese-style dictatorship" and fueled anti-Chinese sentiment.

Downfall of Venezuela's Maduro Dictatorship 

Venezuela's Maduro regime is currently in a state of severe instability due to a prolonged economic and political crisis. While the Maduro regime inherited the 'Bolivarian Revolution' from the Chávez era and pursued socialist policies, this led to corruption and dictatorship by exploiting the resources of South America's largest oil-producing nation (over 300 billion barrels). The Maduro regime dismantled democracy by seizing control of the judiciary starting in 2004. Although Maduro declared victory in the July 28, 2024 presidential election, riots broke out due to alleged election result manipulation, even though Edmundo González had won by a landslide (leading to international criticism for failing to release ballot details).

The regime was sustained by massive loans from China, reportedly up to $62.5 billion, and over 90% of its oil revenue. However, international sanctions and a debt trap have paralyzed its cash flow.

The regime's 'downfall' culminated in intensified sanctions by the Trump administration, including Chevron's withdrawal in 2025. Hyperinflation (190% in 2023) and shortages of basic necessities have led to starvation for over 5 million people. The poverty rate was 50% in 2022, and the impoverished population reached 20 million in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic and the 2024 territorial dispute with Guyana exacerbated these issues. Youth unemployment and poverty have caused over 7 million people to flee the country, intensifying the brain drain and social unrest domestically.

The suppression of opposition figures, human rights activists, and journalists through 'Bolivarian Fury' and 'Operation Knock Knock' has drawn international condemnation. International pressure is mounting, with the ICC (International Criminal Court) resuming investigations into crimes against humanity in March 2024 and the UN Human Rights Council extending its fact-finding mission in October.

The risk of internal collapse is becoming a reality due to military pressure from the Trump administration and the crackdown on the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. The country's downfall appears to be a consequence of failed socialist policies, dictatorial rule, and international isolation.

Political and Economic Crisis in Advanced Nation France

France, which has long considered itself a leading European nation, is surprisingly facing a national crisis. On September 9, 2025, the government collapsed after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a vote of no confidence, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to appoint his fifth prime minister in two years. This is not merely political turmoil but a chain reaction triggered by a fiscal crisis, with crowds taking to the streets chanting "Block Everything."

France has not balanced its budget since 1974. The debt-to-GDP ratio surged from 98% in 2020 (due to the pandemic) to 114%. In 2024, the deficit reached 5.8%, exceeding the EU's 3% limit. Interest payments alone amounted to €67 billion, accounting for over 10% of the budget. The national debt now stands at 113% of GDP. Since 2000, France has implemented a 35-hour workweek, and its pension income replacement rate is 70%, with the earliest pensionable age being among the lowest in Europe.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022) caused an energy crisis, leading to a surge in government spending on subsidies for businesses and households. Recently, defense spending has increased, and high interest rates have raised borrowing costs. Despite having the highest tax rate in the EU (43.8%), further increases in welfare spending, pensions, and public sector salaries are unsustainable. Declining investor confidence has led to French government bond yields rising higher than those of Spain and Greece, and its credit rating has been downgraded to an all-time low. Macron's reform efforts have been repeatedly thwarted by opposition.

Where is South Korea heading today? Are there no signs of crisis? Should we not learn from the crises and collapses of various nations worldwide and proactively eliminate the causes of crisis?

Shin Dong-choon, Chairman of the Federation for Korean Unity, Ph.D. in Public Administration