He's not implying, he stated it directly.
If you think he's wrong then tell me - what do you believe would happen there in the event of widespread social unrest or grievances against the sitting government?
They used to be, but after millions of people died, they realized that they had to do better. The rest is history.
They used to be, but after millions of people died, they realized that they had to do better. The rest is history.