The focus of this research project was to learn if the United States is in a state of decline, and if so, what can be done to reverse it. So, we are seeking wisdom on both accounts.
The inquiry for me to date has been very interesting, quite enlightening, and most concerning.
Interesting in the sense of history, which is conveyed via excerpts in segments 2, 3, 4, and 14. I learned about the cycles of history in the world in terms of empire power, a great deal about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the cycles of history in Anglo-American countries going through similar patterns every 20 years in an 80 year of so cycle. From all three, I learned how history often repeats itself while providing a sense of prediction for the future.
Enlightening in learning that our country is in decline based on the cycle history of the world. That historical analysis shows that we are in stage 5 of the six historical stages of the cycle history of empires/superpowers. Stage 5 is the decline phase headed for the conflict/war stage of the cycle. China, on the other hand is in Stage 2 which the rise to power in the patten of history.
Enlightening that analyses of current conditions in the U.S. against the eight reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire confirms we are in decline. But importantly, the analyses provides a problem identification of what needs to be addressed to reverse the decline. These analyses can be found in segments 5 through 13.
Concerning in discovering we are not only in decline but are following the cause/effect patterns of four typical conflict/war types which historically precede a military war. These four types of conflict/war are capital (economic) warfare, geopolitical warfare, technological warfare, and internal (among the citizenry) warfare. Defining the characteristics of these four warfare types including potential actions to take to reverse them are contained in segments 16 – 20. Of future concern is we are not adequately prepared to fight a military war with China if that should come to pass which is contained in segment 21.
Concerning in that the trend line has accelerated in the past few years. Reversing the trend is possible but it will require a lot of work, unity and leadership as defined by the excerpts.
The series finishes with segment 22 which is an article concluding the U.S. is not in decline, presenting a counterpoint to the series conclusion for your consideration.