Russia's unchallenged dismantling of Ukraine and China's increasingly global economic and military footprint reflect how both nations have gained from centralized political leadership.

While Western democracies shaped much of the post-World War II era, rising competition from these autocratic governments suggests the dawn of an era in which the appeal of democratic institutions is greatly diminished.

Click HERE to read an exclusive analysis by LIGNET's top intelligence experts.

Editor's Note: CIA Global Forecast: Prepare for the Worst