> Why do people in power seem to prefer to kick the can down the road until it explodes instead of trying to resolve problems as they come? It seems to be a recurring theme of history.

People in power are often motivated by gaining more power & their core competency is acquiring more power, usually by manipulating social dynamics. They also also adept in manipulating organizations to have power-focused people, especially if they can be controlled, in positions of governance & management. Any other popular ideological position they publicly espouse is a mask to consolidate power. There are some books on psychopathy in governance & management...such as https://www.amazon.com/Political-Ponerology-Science-Psychopa...

With advances & consolidation in the state/empire, technology, automation, & global socioeconomic systems, people in power have more leverage over everybody else...Consolidation will increase until systems become too top-heavy & a collapse occurs. Most people, including people in power, tend to not desire being ruled by others, so infighting is inevitable, which also leads to collapse...Usually the breakups occur suddenly when the status quo becomes obviously untenable & it is less risky to break ranks.

Political rivals that can execute a coherent long term strategy of systemic growth & power have a long-term advantage over those who are unable to execute continued growth.

You can test these assertions in an analysis of the history of the various political & business empires which grew & collapsed.