John Glubb explique que les grands empires ont été marqués par 6 âges, le dernier marquant leur fin étant celui de la décadence.

The stages of the rise and fall of great nations seem to be:
The Age of Pioneers (outburst)
The Age of Conquests
The Age of Commerce
The Age of Affluence
The Age of Intellect
The Age of Decadence.

Decadence is marked by:
Defensiveness
Pessimism
Materialism
Frivolity
An influx of foreigners
The Welfare State
A weakening of religion.

Decadence is due to:
Too long a period of wealth and power
Selfishness
Love of money
The loss of a sense of duty.

http://people.uncw.edu/kozloffm/glubb.pdf

Afflux d'étrangers, matérialisme, état providence, affaiblissement de la religion, je vous laisse deviner dans quel âge on se situe