No true meritocracy espouses fake it till you make it as success. They're ruthless in a way because either you produce tangible results? Or you're out.
The main problem of meritocracies is how to determine merit. Its always an issue. The smart and wise ones use questioning and application. The bad ones rely only on tests. Either way, a bureaucracy to test forms.
The determination of merit is easier in a young meritocracy. For the reason the leaders have a sense of vision. And can communicate intent. So merit that advances that vision is easier to see.
An interesting thing I've found is that brilliant strategists seem immature or curious kids. There's also a tendency for them to be ultra hyper. Followed by seeming laziness.
There's a reason for them seeming like kids. They absorb everything. So its an exercise in challenge for them. And because that takes many forms? Their intention isn't discernable.
They don't really desire gain. Its more to solve a problem. So they're harder to catch.
This is diffent than someone trying to gain something. They follow a set pattern, so they're easier to predict. Even if they don't say anything? You can sense intent in a specific direction.
This is the biggest narrative pushed by the western world since 1991 and 1945. That and somehow holy democracy is free of sins, corruption, and thirst for empire any less than the past.
That only democracy can generate prosperity and poverty alleviation.
Look at the so called democracies they like to hold up in Asia. They're often bought, have military bases, or have a coolie mentality. Or all three.
Most haven't achieved poverty alleviation. Most have one party that rules them.
This is a big assumption I often see from armchair generals and admirals. That numbers of a ship, weapons system, or tech alone means advanced skill.
The operating area for the USN and PLAN are different. Same with doctrine.
The PLANs doctine is currently focused towards the South China Sea and within the 1st island chain. The USN is focused at projection of force in mutliple theaters.
The PLAN's goal? Its to stop any foreign naval landing or invasion. Which was a major problem in the Opium Wars and Boxer Rebellion. Foreign nations were able to establish concessions that were close to water.