I don't think modern people are smarter than the ancients. A lot of the ancient wisdom still holds true today.
A country that is weak but does not consider itself to be in a weak position, is weak but does not respect the surrounding powerful countries, has no manners and insults neighboring powers, is greedy and stubborn but does not understand diplomacy, and may perish.
(Personally, I think this is suitable for Pakistan. Pakistan needs to normalize relations with India.Many other smaller countries follow this rule. )
The country’s finances are suffering and the ministers,government officials are rich, the permanent residents are poor and the guests are rich, the peasants and soldiers are in poverty, and those who profit from industry and commerce may perish.
(This article also applies to the present society)
The outstanding domestic talents are not used, instead they search for people from abroad. Instead of assessing their political performance based on merit, they prefer to appoint and remove officials by virtue of their reputation.
(This exists in many of our developing countries.)
If there are signs of national subjugation, it does not mean that the country must be destroyed, but that it may perish. The break of the wood must be due to decay, the collapse of the wall must be due to cracks. However, although the wood is decayed, it will not break without strong wind, and although the wall has cracks, it will not collapse without heavy rain. If the monarch of a big country can use his power and influence as a storm to destroy the monarchs of countries that have signs of extinction, then it will not be difficult for him to always stay ahead!
(This seems to be what the United States often does.)