Affirmative action and civil rights, both signs of a progressive society, are no longer emphasized. Attacks against such organizations are increasing. Society is more primitive, hostile, and selfish as a result. A hawkish attitude prevails over the diplomatic approach in foreign relations. This too is a setback of progress.
Militant strategies are primitive and short-sighted.
Diplomacy, now on the back burner, represented progress. Militant deplomancy represents regression. In some ways, then, contemporary society is progressing. Technological advances, both good and bad, have progressed. On the other hand, the moral, metaphysical aspects of society have regressed.