leaf

Introduction: A tree planted in spring grows leaves alongside the four seasons, standing alone in the autumn rain, as the different yellowed leaves fall to the ground.

"We live in an age of digital authoritarianism," wrote Harvard scholar Dr. Chenoweth. Regimes have developed new methods using the internet and other tools, "from directly surveilling people's communications to online harassment and intimidation, to the rapid dissemination of state propaganda, to infiltration of movements, to selective censorship." This is not enough for governments to eliminate all dissent. But to win, they only need to create enough doubt, division, or numb indifference to suffering, so that protesters cannot gain sufficient support.
Although large-scale protests are bound to fail on today's Earth, the potential chain reactions from a sharp decline in their chances of success may exceed the decline itself.

The state apparatus is a political term. According to Marxist-Leninist interpretation, the state is a tool for one class to dominate another. This means that the ruling class must establish a complete set of laws, systems, and enforcement agencies, relying on these laws, systems, and enforcement agencies to achieve control over the ruled class.

The army, police, courts, prisons, and other repressive institutions are important components of the state apparatus. There are also ideological state apparatuses, referring to eight institutions: religion, education, family, law, politics, trade unions, media, and culture.
Because they play a role in "cultural warfare" beyond "military intimidation," Althusser refers to them as ISA.

The operation of the global state apparatus ensures the ruling class's control over the ruled class, thereby safeguarding the interests of the ruling class. When the ruled class's dissatisfaction with the ruling class reaches a certain level and resistance occurs, the state apparatus controlled by the ruling class will suppress the resisters. Among the many components of the state apparatus, the military is relatively special. It is not only one of the tools for the ruling class to implement dictatorship over the ruled class, but also a tool for the ruling class to expand externally and maintain national territory and sovereignty. In other words, the military has both internal and external functions, while other repressive institutions usually only have internal ruling functions.

The dominant ideology exists within the complex system of ideological state apparatuses. It is the result of a long and arduous class struggle. The bourgeoisie (taking it as an example) can only achieve its own goals in this struggle by meeting a dual condition: on the one hand, it must overcome the previously dominant ideology that remains in the old state apparatus, and on the other hand, it must simultaneously overcome the ideology of the new oppressed class that seeks its own organizational and struggle forms. The ideology that the bourgeoisie uses to successfully establish leadership over the previous landlord aristocracy and the working class is established not only through external struggles against these two classes, but also—simultaneously—through overcoming factional contradictions within the bourgeoisie and uniting the bourgeoisie as the ruling class.

We must understand the reproduction of the dominant ideology in this sense.

Formally, the ruling class must produce the material, political, and ideological conditions for its existence (existence means reproduction). However, the reproduction of the dominant ideology is not a simple replication, nor is it a straightforward reproduction, nor is it an automatic, mechanical expansion of existing institutions determined by its own functions; rather, it is a struggle to unify and revive earlier, fragmented, and contradictory ideological elements into a whole—this whole is precisely achieved through class struggles over previous ideological forms and new ideological tendencies. The struggle for the reproduction of the ruling class's ideology is an endless struggle, always starting anew, and at any time subject to class struggle.
The unification process of the dominant ideology is always "incomplete," always "must be restarted," for several reasons. Not only because the previously ruling class's ideology and ideological state apparatus still have remnants, which resist as fiercely as they can (Lenin called this "habit"). Not only due to the practical necessity of forming unity among the ruling class, which is required by the fusion of contradictions among various factions of the class (commercial capital, industrial capital, financial capital), but also because it is necessary to express their "universal (class) interests" above the "special interests" of individual capitalists. Not only because class struggle must be initiated to oppose the emerging ideological forms of the ruled class. Not only because the historical transformation of production methods forces the dominant ideology to constantly "adapt" to class struggle (the classical bourgeois legal ideology is currently being replaced by the ideology of expert governance). Moreover, because practice has materiality and diversity, the resulting "spontaneous" ideologies must be continuously integrated. This vast and contradictory task has never been thoroughly completed, and we also doubt whether the utopian model of the "ethical state" proposed by Gramsci and Croce will ever exist. Just as class struggle will never extinguish, the ruling class's struggle to unify existing ideological elements and forms will also never extinguish. This means that the dominant ideology—even if it is its own function—can never completely overcome its own contradictions, which are a reflection of class struggle.
We can thus derive another argument from the priority of class struggle over the dominant ideology and ideological state apparatus, which is a direct result of the former:

• The ideological state apparatus must necessarily be a site of class struggle and actual demands, allowing the general class struggle that determines the configuration of social structures to continue within the dominant ideological apparatus. If the role of the ideological state apparatus is to promote the dominant ideology, it is precisely because there is resistance;
• If there is resistance, it is precisely because there is struggle, and this struggle is ultimately a direct or indirect echo of class struggle, sometimes close but more often distant.
• The events of May 68 vividly illustrate this fact and make visible a struggle that had until then been silent and suppressed. However, while these events made a direct class struggle visible in the ideological state apparatus (especially in the school apparatus, and then in the medical apparatus, and in the construction of this apparatus), they also somewhat obscured the fundamental that determined these events, namely the historical composition of the dominant ideology and the class struggle characteristics inherent in its reproduction.
• No one has "experienced" the May of 68 from this truly historical and political perspective. So, I think it must be reminded that if you want to understand the truth of class struggle in the ideological state apparatus and keep rebellion within appropriate bounds, then you must adopt the "reproductive perspective,"
  which views class struggle as an overall process rather than understanding it as a sum of individual confrontations or limited to this or that "field" (economic, political, ideological); this perspective understands it as a historical process rather than a series of events triggered by repression or direct resistance.
  In reminding people of these perspectives, I find myself being accused of being a "functionalist," or being criticized for providing a "systematic theory" explanation that favors a mechanical view of such processes regarding the superstructure and ideology that gave rise to our class struggle, which is indeed difficult to understand.

If the ideological state apparatus truly represents the ruling class's ideology, it must be realized in a certain form, and the ideology of the ruled class must be realized in a form of struggle and confrontation; then, various ideologies do not "emerge" from the ideological state apparatus, but come from the various social classes that are struggling in class struggle: from their living conditions, their practices, their struggles, and so on.

There are many historically significant families around the world, some of which are renowned for their political, economic, cultural, and religious influence. Here are some notable families, categorized by region and field:

1. Europe#

• Rothschild Family
  The Rothschild family is known for its influence in banking, especially in the 19th century. This family established vast wealth and influence through banking across Europe and continues to have significant impact in the global financial sector.

• Hopkins Family
  Members of this family played important roles in finance, business, and government positions in the United States and Europe, particularly in the UK.

• House of Windsor
  As the royal family of the United Kingdom, the Windsor family has a history spanning over a thousand years. Today, members like Charles III still hold significant symbolic positions in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

• Medici Family
  The Medici family were financiers and politicians during the Italian Renaissance, dominating the politics and culture of Florence. Family members had a profound impact on art and culture during the Renaissance.

• Borgia Family
  The Borgia family was highly influential in 16th-century Italy and the Roman Catholic Church. Although known for their power and scandals, the family's influence in religion and politics cannot be overlooked.

2. Asia#

• Mitsubishi Family
  The Mitsubishi family is the founding family of Mitsubishi Group, one of Japan's largest multinational corporations. Mitsubishi Group is involved in various sectors, including automotive, finance, and chemicals.

• Samsung Family
  The Samsung Group is one of the world's leading technology giants, and its founding Lee family has significant influence in South Korea's business and politics, especially in technology and electronics.

• Li Ka-Shing Family
  Li Ka-Shing is a business tycoon in Hong Kong, founding Cheung Kong Holdings, which is involved in real estate, retail, telecommunications, and more. His family is one of the wealthiest in Asia.

• Chen Guangbiao Family
  Chen Guangbiao is a Chinese entrepreneur involved in various industries, including environmental protection, charity, and media. He is known for his controversial business practices and large-scale charitable donations.

3. Middle East#

• Al Saud Family
  This is the ruling family of Saudi Arabia, which has had a profound influence in Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East since the early 20th century. Family members hold political, military, and religious leadership positions in Saudi Arabia.

• Al Khalifa Family
  The Al Khalifa family is the ruling family of Bahrain, holding political and economic power in the country.

• Al Nahyan Family
  The Al Nahyan family rules the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, and is one of the most influential families in the UAE, also controlling oil wealth.

4. Americas#

• Kennedy Family
  As one of the most famous political families in American history, members of the Kennedy family have held several important political positions, including President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy.

• Roosevelt Family
  The Roosevelt family has a prominent position in American history, with two presidents—Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt—among its members, and the family's influence extends deeply into American politics, business, and culture.

• Murdoch Family
  The Murdoch family controls News Corporation, which owns several well-known media brands globally, including The Wall Street Journal and Fox News. Rupert Murdoch is the leader of the family and has a significant influence on global media.

• Ford Family
  The Ford family is one of the founders of the American automotive industry, with Henry Ford founding the Ford Motor Company, which has had a profound impact on the global automotive industry.

5. Africa#

• Kenyatta Family
  This is an important political family in Kenya, with Jomo Kenyatta being the first President of Kenya, and his son Uhuru Kenyatta having served as President. The family has significant influence in Kenya's political and business sectors.

• Mandela Family
  The Mandela family is a famous political family in South Africa, with Nelson Mandela being one of its core figures, making significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid and the democratization of South Africa.

In addition to the prominent families mentioned above, there are many historically significant families around the world. Here are some other families that have important influence in various regions and fields globally:

1. Europe#

• Bernard Arnault Family
  The Bernard Arnault family in France is a giant in the luxury goods industry, with founder Bernard Arnault being the chairman and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the world's largest luxury goods company. The family has significant influence in high-end markets such as fashion, perfumes, and wines.

• De Rothschild Family
  The Rothschild family has a profound influence not only in finance but also in the wine and real estate sectors. Besides the banking influence of the Rothschild family, the De Rothschild family also possesses great wealth and influence in the wine industry.

• Lacroix Family
  The Lacroix family in France founded the well-known luxury brand "Christian Lacroix," and the family is not only influential in the fashion industry but also closely related to French culture and art.

2. Asia#

• Lee Family
  The Lee family is an important family in Singapore's history. Lee Kuan Yew was the founding Prime Minister of Singapore, promoting the modernization and economic rise of Singapore. Family members are involved in politics, business, and public service, and the Lee family holds a significant position in Singapore's political and economic landscape.

• Honda Family
  The Honda family is the founding family of the famous Japanese automotive brand Honda. Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa are the founders of Honda, and their family has had a profound impact on the automotive industry in Japan and globally.

• Takata Family
  The Takata family is the founding family of Takata Corporation, a well-known manufacturer of automotive safety equipment. Takata was once a leading manufacturer of airbags and seat belts, and despite its notorious reputation due to airbag recalls, the family's influence in automotive safety technology is undeniable.

3. Americas#

• Rockefeller Family
  The Rockefeller family is one of the wealthiest and most influential families in American history. The family's founder, John D. Rockefeller, established one of the world's largest oil empires through the Standard Oil Company. The family continues to have significant influence in American politics, philanthropy, education, and more.

• Morgan Family
  The Morgan family is a financial giant in the United States, known for founding J.P. Morgan & Co. The Morgan family held a pivotal position in the American financial sector during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and family members continue to have significant influence in global finance and business.

• Pitt Family
  The Pitt family is one of the notable political families in American history. The family's representative figure, William Pitt, served as Prime Minister of Great Britain and was closely connected to American politics. Although their influence is not as strong as in the past, the family's name is closely associated with early American history and politics.

4. Africa#

• Derby Family
  The Derby family is a political family in Kenya, represented by Jomo Kenyatta, who has deep roots in Kenya's politics and economy. The family includes many political leaders and business tycoons.

• Bacchus Family
  The Bacchus family is a prominent family in South Africa, with members including business tycoons and political figures. The family has had a profound impact on South Africa's history and culture, especially during the reform era.

• Obama Family
  Former U.S. President Barack Obama hails from this family. Although the Obama family is not a hereditary political family, its influence on global politics and culture is significant, especially in the historic election and reforms in the United States.

5. Middle East#

• Al Maktoum Family
  As the ruling family of Dubai, the Al Maktoum family occupies an important position in the Middle East, particularly in oil, real estate, and aviation. Family members hold significant power and wealth, and Dubai's economic rise is closely related to this family.

• Al Hamid Family
  The Al Hamid family is the ruling family of Oman, holding significant political and economic power in Oman, influencing the country's foreign policy and domestic development.

• Al Thani Family
  The ruling family of Qatar, the Al Thani family, has a high influence on the international stage, especially in the oil and gas sector. The Qatari royal family plays an important role in global economic, sports, and cultural activities through its national wealth.

6. Latin America#

• Pinochet Family
  Although known for its authoritarian rule, the Pinochet family has had an undeniable impact on Chilean history. Augusto Pinochet was a dictator in Chile, and family members have significant influence in Chile's politics and society.

• Alvear Family
  The Alvear family in Argentina is one of the country's traditional political families, with members involved in important political and military activities after Argentina's independence, influencing Argentina's political history.

In addition to the historically influential families mentioned above, there are many other interesting families that hold a place in global history due to their unique historical backgrounds, cultural contributions, or legendary figures. Here are some noteworthy families:

1. Artemis Family#

• Representative Figure: Artemis
• Influence: Although this family is not commonly known in history, the Artemis family is very prominent in mythology. Artemis is the goddess of hunting and the moon in ancient Greek mythology, often appearing alongside her brother Apollo. The legendary nature of the Artemis family spans many areas of ancient Greek culture, representing powerful feminine strength and sacred nature.

2. Fujiwara Clan#

• Representative Figures: Fujiwara no Michinaga, Fujiwara no Kanehira
• Influence: The Fujiwara clan is one of the most important noble families in Japanese history, holding significant political and cultural influence during the Heian period (794-1185). The Fujiwara clan gained actual control over the Japanese court through marriages with the imperial family, becoming one of the most powerful families in Japanese history. Fujiwara no Michinaga is one of the most famous family members, who, at the height of his power, almost controlled the entire Japanese political landscape.

3. House of Windsor#

• Representative Figures: Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III
• Influence: The House of Windsor is the ruling family of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries today, with a history of over a century. Although the family's name "Windsor" was modified (originally Saxe-Coburg and Gotha), its influence spans the globe. Queen Elizabeth II was one of the longest-reigning monarchs in world history, and the ascension of King Charles III marks the beginning of a new era.

4. Sforza Family#

• Representative Figures: Francesco Sforza, Ludovico Sforza
• Influence: The Sforza family was the ruling family of northern Italy's Milan during the Renaissance, with their power and wealth derived from military conquests and political alliances. The rise of the family represents the fierce competition and changes in the politics of Italian city-states at the time. The political acumen, military talent, and patronage of art and culture by the Sforza family made Milan one of the important cultural centers of the Renaissance.

5. Genghis Khan Family#

• Representative Figures: Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan
• Influence: The Genghis Khan family is one of the most legendary families in history. Genghis Khan not only unified the Mongolian tribes but also established a vast empire spanning Eurasia. His descendants, such as Kublai Khan, continued to expand the empire's territory, establishing the Yuan Dynasty and becoming rulers of China. The Genghis Khan family not only changed the history of China and Central Asia but also had a profound impact on the political landscape of the entire Eurasian continent.

6. House of Bourbon#

• Representative Figures: Louis XIV, Louis XVI
• Influence: The House of Bourbon is one of the most important dynasties in French history, especially under the reign of Louis XIV, when France became one of the most powerful countries in Europe. Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King," established absolute rule and transformed the Palace of Versailles into one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. The last king of the Bourbon family, Louis XVI, was executed during the French Revolution, marking the end of the French monarchy.

7. Julio-Claudian Dynasty#

• Representative Figures: Augustus, Nero, Tiberius
• Influence: The Julio-Claudian dynasty was the first dynasty of the Roman Empire, ruling for nearly a century. The members of this family, especially Augustus, laid the foundation for the Roman Empire and began the golden age of the Roman Empire. Although some emperors, like Nero, were notorious for their tyranny, the legacy of this family is crucial to the history of the Roman Empire.

8. Hohenzollern Family#

• Representative Figures: Frederick the Great, Wilhelm II
• Influence: The Hohenzollern family ruled Prussia and later the German Empire. Their rule was particularly significant in the 18th and 19th centuries, with Frederick the Great's military genius and political vision making Prussia a major power in Europe. Wilhelm II was the German Emperor during World War I, and his decisions provided important political context for the outbreak of the war.

9. House of Orange#

• Representative Figures: William I, William III
• Influence: The House of Orange is one of the most important families in Dutch history, especially during the Dutch War of Independence, with William I being called the father of the Netherlands. William III was not only the king of the Netherlands but also became the joint king of England, further strengthening the Netherlands' position in Europe. The House of Orange has had a profound impact on Dutch politics, economy, and culture.

10. Kennedy Family#

• Representative Figures: John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Edward Kennedy
• Influence: The Kennedy family is one of the most famous political families in the United States. John F. Kennedy served as the 35th President of the United States and profoundly influenced the political direction of the country in the 20th century, especially during the Cold War. Although the Kennedy family has experienced tragic events (such as the assassination of the president and Robert Kennedy), their impact on American politics and society remains significant.

Of course, there are many other historically interesting families that have had a profound impact on history. Here are some more noteworthy families that have played significant roles in various regions and fields:

11. Habsburg Family#

• Representative Figures: Charles V, Maria Theresa, Franz Joseph
• Influence: The Habsburg family is one of the most prominent noble families in European history, having long ruled the Holy Roman Empire, Austria, and Spain. The founder Charles V's empire spanned Europe and the Americas, while Maria Theresa was an important empress whose reforms and management of the Austro-Hungarian Empire laid the foundation for its later prosperity. The Habsburg family's marriage policies (e.g., "expanding the empire through marriage") allowed them to control vast territories across Europe.

12. Rothschild Family#

• Representative Figures: Mayer Amschel Rothschild
• Influence: The Rothschild family is one of the most famous banking families in the world, establishing a vast banking empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The family's wealth and financial network influenced the political and economic landscape of Europe. Family members participated in numerous significant historical events, including post-war reconstruction, mining, and railway development.

13. Medici Family#

• Representative Figures: Lorenzo de' Medici, Cosimo de' Medici
• Influence: The Medici family was one of the most influential families during the Italian Renaissance, especially centered in Florence. They achieved great success in finance and business and actively sponsored the development of art, science, and literature. Lorenzo de' Medici is known as the "Patron of the Renaissance," and his family's patronage allowed artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael to create world-famous works.

14. Gorky Family#

• Representative Figures: Maxim Gorky
• Influence: Maxim Gorky was a famous Russian writer and social activist, making significant contributions to literature and being an important supporter of the Russian Revolution. Gorky's works revealed social issues in Russia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and had a profound impact on the thoughts of the proletariat. His family is known for its literary and intellectual background, holding a certain political position during the Soviet period.

15. Gandhi Family#

• Representative Figures: Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi
• Influence: The Gandhi family has had a profound impact on India's independence movement and modern Indian politics. Mohandas Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement, advocating for non-violent protest and successfully leading India to independence from British colonial rule. The family's descendants, especially Nehru and Indira Gandhi, played significant roles in Indian politics. Indira Gandhi was not only the first female Prime Minister of India but also remembered for her leadership in nation-building.

16. Corleone Family#

• Representative Figures: Vito Corleone, Michael Corleone
• Influence: The Corleone family is a fictional family from Mario Puzo's novel "The Godfather," but their story has had a widespread impact globally. This family represents the history and culture of Italian-American crime families and their influence on American society. Although fictional, the story of the Corleone family has become deeply ingrained in popular culture and is considered a classic in film history.

17. Bourbaki Family#

• Representative Figures: Nicolas Bourbaki
• Influence: The Bourbaki family does not refer to a traditional noble family but rather a group of mathematicians in the early 20th century who collaborated under the pseudonym "Bourbaki" to promote the modernization of mathematics. The Bourbaki group proposed many concepts of axiomatic mathematics and had a profound impact on the foundations and development of mathematics.

18. Roosevelt Family#

• Representative Figures: Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Influence: The Roosevelt family is one of the most important political families in the United States, particularly in the 20th century. Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, known for his reform spirit and proactive foreign policy. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President, leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II. The political legacy of the Roosevelt family is crucial to modern American history.

19. House of Asturias#

• Representative Figures: Ferdinand of Asturias
• Influence: The House of Asturias is an important royal family in early Spanish history, especially during the early formation of the Spanish kingdom. The members of the Asturias family played a significant role in the unification of Spain and the establishment of the Spanish monarchy.

20. Keita Dynasty of the Mali Empire#

• Representative Figures: Sundiata Keita
• Influence: The Keita family is the royal family of the Mali Empire in West Africa, which was one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in the world during the 13th to 16th centuries. The founder, Sundiata Keita, is known as the father of the Mali Empire and is celebrated for his leadership and governance. The Mali Empire during its golden age became a center of trade, culture, and education in Africa.

These families, whether through their historical status, cultural achievements, or legendary figures, have left a profound mark on world history. Their stories showcase how families can shape history and influence the world through wisdom, power, wealth, or belief.