that they can’t imagine a society that doesn’t work that way

Well I'm imagining a classless, borderless society where everyone's needs are met and it is fantastic.

You think this is a normal way for a government to be

Nothing about the US government is normal unless in the context of an Empire rapidly approaching the point of collapse.

and you think the smart thing to do is assume everyone is like the US

I have enough knowledge to know that in both better and worse situations, other countries do things often very different and assume as much but try not to assume details. Luckily I'm well read.