Democracy is a delusion. We're not wired for it as a species. Go out into the wilderness sometimes and see how the animal kingdom acts. The Ruling elites over the submissive many. It's the law of nature.
Mankind is part of nature.
In our social structure there are alpha males and submissive sheep. Sometimes with overt brute displays of power and other times with the brutality masked a little better. This is neither pessimistic or optimistic - just reality. Warfare for my ancestors was engaged in for family - kith and kin. You take care of yours - I'll take care of mine.