The problem just doesn't start and stop at politicians, you have the bureaucracy, the "functionaries", legions of partisans in there, they aren't elected and most people don't even know their names. Politicians can come and go, those types stay, they are the ones in charge of actually running the show, like technicians on a set And that's only half of the problem; it doesn't just stop at the public sector, you have the private sector branch too, which is de facto integrated to the US security apparatus for instance. You have the "defense industry" which is a major cog, and you also have the "finance industry", wallstreet, and so called big pharma, to name just those It's a big club What's for sure is that they're all in for the money and power they can derive from their position. Of course many are stuck in the middle because they are compromised (epstein stuff), but they also enjoy a comfortable position they aren't willing to let go. They've been given an offer they couldn't refuse, with a big carrot and a big stick, and most are waiting inline hoping to get just that, let's not be naive Did I mention lobbyists? On the world's stage it's pretty much a free for all and the highest bidder gets served first essentially, see clinton foundation. And those who don't pay to play get played essentially, they are what's for dinner