[allendale]

Throughout history technological advances rarely benefit one side decisively for very long. The most poorly kept secrets are military secrets. The outcome of political struggles ( war is political struggle by a means other than diplomacy or peaceful persuasion) depends far more on organization, skill, and the willingness to fight for an idea or a cuase by dedicated people who will not accept defeat. Resources of course matter but often they are not the decisive factor in the ultimate outcomes. Begs the question: Does enough of a common consensus of values continue to exist in the American nation among its people that enough rational men are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on its behalf to preserve it? A hypersonic missile will not save the nation.

[buckalfa]

"Begs the question: Does enough of a common consensus of values continue to exist in the American nation among its people that enough rational men are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on its behalf to preserve it?"

Profound thought. Perhaps America is truly no longer a sovereign nation state in the classical sense. Perhaps Trump was the last stand to stop the barbarians at the gates

[Kevmo]

Good insight.

[BroJoeK]

"Does enough of a common consensus of values continue to exist in the American nation among its people that enough rational men are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on its behalf to preserve it?
A hypersonic missile will not save the nation."

Advanced weapons like a hypersonic missile could destroy a nation, regardless of how many "rational men...willing to make the ultimate sacrifice" we have -- witness the A-bomb on suicidally fanatic Japan in 1945.
That's the reason we must stay ahead of the technological curve.