Third, because this top-down model concentrated power so heavily, it easily bred corruption.
In Africa, there was a lack of entertainment on one hand; on the other, officials frequently had to return home to report on their duties. Coupled with the single-track economic model, ill-gotten gains were difficult to conceal.
But Cuba was entirely different. Not only were there many channels for fencing stolen goods, but at certain times, it even had the potential for independence.
Franz shook his head.
"Austria is not Prussia, much less Russia. We are a country, not a military camp."
"But we still have foreign enemies."
Count Latour said unwillingly.
Prince Schwarzenberg suddenly thought of something, then asked in some confusion.
"Your Majesty, surely you do not believe in those so-called armistice treaties? In the eyes of that pack of pirates, treaties are nothing but a pile of wastepaper.
"The previous wars have proven that as long as the situation favors them, or they see profit to be made, they will toss those armistice agreements straight into the wastebasket.
"How can Your Majesty trust such people?"
"What I trust is not their character, but the fact that they need time to recuperate even more than we do. Starting a war now would not be wise for Britain and France."
"But our enemies were never particularly clever to begin with. Otherwise, they would not have chosen to become opponents of the Austrian Empire."
Count Latour said with a smile. The other senior figures of the Austrian Empire laughed as well, and the atmosphere immediately relaxed considerably. Clearly, the victories of recent years had made them somewhat carried away.
Franz swept his gaze across their faces.
"It seems everyone has great confidence in the Empire. That pleases me. I, too, have great confidence in the Empire. We