Power struggles, in the past as in the present

[Caelan Arendor]

Some of the structures and political intrigues within the fabric of Randland reveal certain parallels and similarities to our real world. One example is everyday life in the White Tower. Internal quarrels often lead to institutional gridlock, with important decisions being delayed or heavily watered down. The Ajahs rarely present a united front, as each group pursues its own interests (much like the political situation within the European Union). Truth often has many faces; groups interpret events in divergent ways, and only a few conclusions truly reflect reality. Instead of focusing together on real threats (the Seanchan, the Forsaken, the Shadow), they lose themselves in internal power struggles. As a result, we see parties or political factions blocking one another, mistrust between institutions growing, and internal conflicts weakening the ability to solve problems. Does that ring a bell for anyone?”