Suicide of a Superpower

1. America's Decline: A Self-Inflicted Wound

We did it to ourselves.

Economic Missteps. The book argues that America's decline is not due to external forces, but rather internal policy choices. The shift from economic nationalism to globalism, fiscal irresponsibility, and the expansion of the welfare state are identified as key factors contributing to this decline. The author points to the surge in national debt, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and the growing dependence on foreign powers as evidence of this self-inflicted wound.

Lost Decade. The first decade of the 21st century saw a net of zero new jobs created, declining household wealth, and the closure of numerous plants and factories. The U.S. shifted from being a creditor nation to the world's greatest debtor, signaling a significant loss of economic power. This decline is correlated with a shift away from policies that prioritized domestic production and fiscal prudence.

Call to Action. The author suggests that reversing this decline requires a return to economic nationalism, fiscal responsibility, and a more restrained foreign policy. The book emphasizes the need for America to prioritize its own interests and rebuild its economic strength to maintain its position in the world.

2. Globalization's Unintended Consequences

The United States has been consuming more than it has been producing for many years.

Trade Imbalances. The pursuit of globalization, particularly through agreements like NAFTA and GATT, has led to significant trade imbalances. The relocation of manufacturing to countries with lower labor costs and weaker regulations has resulted in the deindustrialization of America and a growing dependence on foreign goods. China's strategic currency devaluation further exacerbated these imbalances.

Job Losses. The shift in manufacturing overseas has resulted in the loss of millions of American jobs, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, electronics, textiles, and apparel. This deindustrialization has led to stagnant wages, declining family incomes, and a loss of national dynamism. The author argues that this dependence on foreign production poses a threat to national security.

Economic Nationalism. The book advocates for a return to economic nationalism, emphasizing the importance of protecting and nurturing America's manufacturing base. It suggests that free trade has been the policy of powers in decline, while economic nationalism has been the strategy of nations on the rise.

3. The Fading of Christian America

America was born a Christian nation.

Repudiation of Christian Primacy. The book contends that America is no longer the Christian nation it once was, pointing to the increasing secularization of public life and the decline in religious affiliation. The author cites President Obama's statement that the U.S. is a nation of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and non-believers as a departure from historical norms.

Decline in Religious Observance. Statistics reveal a significant decline in Christian affiliation and church attendance, particularly among mainline Protestant denominations. The rise of the "nones" – those with no religious affiliation – is especially pronounced among younger generations. This decline is seen as contributing to social disintegration and moral decay.

Social Consequences. The author argues that the death of Christian faith has led to a rise in social ills, including increased illegitimacy rates, teenage suicide, and violent crime. The book suggests that the abandonment of traditional morality has coarsened American culture and cheapened the value of human life.

4. The Cracks in the Catholic Church

If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle?

Post-Vatican II Decline. The Catholic Church, once a pillar of American society, has experienced a significant decline since Vatican II. This decline is evidenced by a decrease in the number of priests, nuns, and seminarians, as well as a drop in Mass attendance and parochial school enrollment. The author suggests that the Church's efforts to modernize and accommodate modernity have backfired.

Moral Crisis. The Church has been rocked by scandals involving sexual abuse by priests and the subsequent cover-ups by Church leaders. This has led to a loss of moral authority and a decline in trust among the faithful. The author argues that the Church's failure to address these issues effectively has contributed to its decline.

Cultural and Political Challenges. The Church faces increasing challenges from secular forces in society, particularly on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and contraception. The author suggests that the Church's inability to effectively counter these challenges has further eroded its influence.

5. Demographic Shift: End of White America?

The new America in the twenty-first century will be primarily non-white, a place that George Washington would not recognize.

Declining White Population. The book highlights the demographic shift occurring in America, with the white population projected to become a minority by 2041. This shift is driven by lower birth rates among whites and higher immigration rates from non-European countries. The author explores the anxieties and fears associated with this demographic change.

Rising Race Consciousness. The author notes a rise in race consciousness and alienation among white Americans, particularly in the wake of the Obama presidency. This is attributed to concerns about economic decline, cultural change, and the perceived loss of power and influence. The book suggests that this has led to a rise in racial tensions and a growing sense of division.

Cultural and Political Implications. The author questions what the end of white America will mean for the nation's culture, values, and political landscape. The book explores the potential for increased tribalism and conflict as different ethnic groups compete for power and resources.

6. Equality vs. Freedom: An Irreconcilable Conflict

Equality of condition is incompatible with civilization.

Founding Principles. The book argues that the Founding Fathers did not believe in equality of condition, but rather in equality of rights. The author suggests that the current emphasis on achieving social and economic equality is a distortion of the original American ideal.

Clash of Ideologies. The pursuit of equality of result, the book contends, inevitably leads to the sacrifice of freedom. To achieve equality, the state must intervene to redistribute wealth and resources, curtailing individual liberty and economic freedom. The author suggests that this is a dangerous path that leads to tyranny.

Historical Examples. The book points to historical examples, such as the French and Russian Revolutions, to illustrate the dangers of prioritizing equality over freedom. These revolutions, driven by egalitarian ideals, ultimately resulted in violence, oppression, and the loss of individual liberties.

7. The Diversity Cult: A Double-Edged Sword

Never in recorded history has diversity been anything but a problem.

Ideological Diversity. The book critiques the modern "diversity cult," arguing that it has become an ideology that prioritizes group identity over individual merit. The author suggests that this emphasis on diversity has led to a decline in standards and a weakening of national unity.

Social Capital Erosion. The book cites research showing that increased ethnic and racial diversity can lead to a decline in social capital, as people become less trusting and less engaged in their communities. This erosion of social capital can have negative consequences for civic life and social cohesion.

Cultural and Political Consequences. The author argues that the pursuit of diversity has led to a decline in traditional American values and a rise in cultural conflict. The book suggests that the celebration of diversity has come at the expense of national identity and a shared sense of purpose.

8. Ethnonationalism: The World's Explosive Force

Ethnic … rivalry is as old as sin, and as inextinguishable.

Power of Tribalism. The book emphasizes the enduring power of ethnonationalism, the drive of people to unite based on common ancestry, culture, and language. The author argues that this force is a primary driver of conflict and instability around the world.

Historical Examples. The book points to historical examples, such as the breakup of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, to illustrate the destructive potential of ethnonationalism. These conflicts, driven by ethnic tensions, resulted in violence, displacement, and the redrawing of national borders.

Implications for America. The author suggests that the rise of ethnonationalism poses a threat to America's unity and stability. The book warns that the increasing emphasis on group identity and the erosion of a shared national identity could lead to increased social and political fragmentation.

9. The Long Retreat: America's Imperial Overstretch

He who defends everything defends nothing.

Overextension of Power. The book argues that America has overextended itself militarily and economically, leading to a decline in its power and influence. The author suggests that the U.S. has taken on too many commitments and interventions around the world, straining its resources and undermining its national security.

Economic and Strategic Consequences. The author points to the financial costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the growing national debt, and the rise of rival powers as evidence of America's decline. The book suggests that a more restrained foreign policy is necessary to restore America's economic and strategic strength.

Call for Retrenchment. The book advocates for a strategic retrenchment, urging the U.S. to reduce its military presence overseas, focus on its core interests, and prioritize its own security and prosperity. The author suggests that this requires a reassessment of America's alliances and commitments.

10. The Looming Fiscal Crisis: A Test of Democracy

Remember, that democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.

Unsustainable Debt. The book warns of a looming fiscal crisis, driven by unsustainable levels of debt and unfunded liabilities. The author suggests that the U.S. is on a path to default or a monetary collapse unless drastic measures are taken to reduce spending and control the national debt.

Political Gridlock. The author argues that political gridlock and partisan divisions make it difficult to address the fiscal crisis effectively. The book suggests that the two major parties are unable to compromise on solutions, leading to a deadlock that threatens the nation's future.

Crisis of Democracy. The author questions whether democracy is sustainable in the face of such a severe fiscal crisis. The book suggests that the inability of elected leaders to make the necessary sacrifices to avert a financial collapse could undermine faith in democratic institutions and lead to a crisis of legitimacy.

Last updated: March 13, 2025