Democracy may not be perfect, but the idea
That is why you need a well functioning institution with competent people outside the political system that the states draws it's people from. Tiny form of technocracy, Norway has it, U.K has it and until recently U.S.A had it which is being demolished since they have been seen as protectors of the swamp.
Germany used to have it's «Jünckers» who were on a constant eternal conflict with Poland, sabotaging any efforts of trade, peace and mutual Co-existence as they saw their positions and lifestyles threatened by a larger Poland (until Prussia carved Poland up and later on became Germany, creating a superiority complex and still blocking for the merchants, traders and investors as much as possible)
Russia used to it's Boyars, but as Bobko has explained we're slowly changed out by German elites slowly over time due to German rulers or influence within Tsarist family. Nepotism followed right after and halted or slowed down growth instead of the opposite.
Quite the opposite effect then the German elites that moved to Norway to rule or convey Denmarks orders and wishes, until France and Denmark got beaten during Napoleon and through intricate schemes were able to hold on to power and wealth even to this day by not causing trouble and be of most possible assistance as they knew they were far outnumbered and knew from experience that ruling in Norway without some form of consensus was impossible.
Time went on and most things stayed the same.
Elites, institutions, competence and wellfunctioning educational sector is vital for a states performance, which most power hungry groups, monarchs or dictators rather be without if possible as their fear of losing power caused by it is too great.