Title: "The Enduring Legacy of the British Empire: Ten Pillars of Modern Political Civilization"

In the annals of history, the British Empire once spanned 78 colonies, all of which have shed their colonial shackles. Today, 77 of these former colonies have emerged as independent nations, each charting a unique path towards development, prosperity, or decline. Among them, Myanmar stands as a striking example of a nation that experienced a drastic shift in fortunes.

In the early 20th century, Myanmar was Asia's wealthiest nation under British colonial rule. With a robust economy, a per capita income exceeding a thousand US dollars, and a well-developed infrastructure and social welfare system, it held a prominent place in the region. However, after gaining independence on January 4, 1948, Myanmar's trajectory took an unexpected turn. It transformed from being Asia's richest nation to one of its poorest—a historical enigma.

Similar to Myanmar, South Africa also had a colonial history with the British Empire. South Africa declared independence on May 31, 1961, but the social order remained largely unchanged. Capitalizing on the post-World War II economic boom, South Africa attracted foreign investment and advanced technologies, swiftly becoming Africa's first industrialized and prosperous nation. However, in 1994, South Africa underwent a seismic shift as black South Africans assumed power. The nation proclaimed its second independence and embarked on deep societal reforms. Yet, within a few years, it regressed from a developed nation to a struggling one.

However, there are exceptions to this narrative. Singapore, for instance, achieved remarkable success after gaining independence in 1959. Within a mere three decades, it transformed into a developed nation, defying expectations. Singapore's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, attributed this success to adopting British legal traditions, rather than inheriting Confucian values from China.

So, what enduring legacies did the British Empire leave in its wake? In the annals of political civilization, the British Empire has bequeathed at least ten pillars of modern political thought:

1. Rule of Law (1215): The Magna Carta established the principle of rule by law, where even monarchs are subject to legal constraints.
2. Freedom of Expression (1644): John Milton's "Areopagitica" laid the groundwork for concepts of free speech and press freedom.
3. Democracy (1689): The Glorious Revolution led to the constitutional monarchy, a precursor to modern democracy.
4. Equality (1689): The Toleration Act championed religious freedom, introducing the idea of equality before God.
5. Separation of Powers (1690): John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" inspired Montesquieu's doctrine of the separation of powers.
6. Transparency and Accountability (1693): The Civil List Act established financial accountability of public officials—a precursor to modern transparency laws.
7. Market Economy (1776): Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" laid the foundations for modern capitalism, introducing the idea of the "invisible hand."
8. Party Politics (1832): The Reform Act marked the transition to a mature two-party system, promoting checks and balances.
9. Parliamentary System (1861): John Stuart Mill's writings formed the basis for modern parliamentary systems.
10. Meritocracy (1870): The Civil Service Order in Council instituted open competitive examinations for government posts—a precursor to modern civil service merit systems.

These ten pillars are the bedrock of modern political civilization, shaping governance and society in the wake of the British Empire. They have not only illuminated the path for nations to traverse dark times but also served as a beacon for future generations. Just as scientific discoveries have transcended time and space, these principles of civilization offer universality and replicability—guiding humanity toward a brighter future.

In the mosaic of human history, the British Empire's political legacy remains a luminous thread, illuminating the way forward.

Jason WANG