There’s a very cynical part of me that wants to make a comment about the US gun stuff, and the idea that driving around with sidearms and AR-15 is “civilized”. For many people, that is “driving around armed to the teeth.” Folks have gun-racks in their cars.

Counter point: Star Trek. Arguably the most utopic popular sci-fi, and definitely not a failed state (quite the opposite). Yet science vessels, cargo liners, diplomatic ships and even small scouts and transports are armed and have shields.