Earlier quoted context omitted.
I assume this is sarcasm because by definition every non modern civilization is no longer with us. Including some of the early more democratic ones like Athens.
You shouldn't be asking yourself whether the post is sarcasm. You should be asking yourself does my post fit with the logic provided by the initial post? Then if the logic fits with the logic of the initial post you should ask yourself is the logic absurd? If so then that means the initial post is absurd.
Initial post = parent post? or article? Can you spell it out? Why be coy on the internet?