此时它们的长处变成弱点，开始一代不如一代。

That is when their strengths risk turning into weaknesses and dynastic atrophy can set in.

在许多思想保守的英国人看来，家庭社会地位可能一代不如一代，这种局面足以让人忧惧。

For many conservatively minded Britons, the possibility of their family losing caste over generations is an alarming one.

因为地理、历史和历届领导人御国有术（显然一代不如一代）的缘故，叙利亚是（中东的）影响力中心。

Syria is a hub of influence by virtue of its geography, history and the canniness—plainly on the wane—of its leaders.