Absolutely. The application to aspects of our own society are worth considering.
Great piece.
The article seemes a little self congratulatory to say the least. The structure of the article looks at any country/continent/threat to the United States and puts them in their lowly place. Wishfull thinking? Or hoping that stating something validates it. Underestimating should not be confused with undermining. The former might provide valerian effect but the latter is only fit for the uninformed. Will the U.S. ever acquire a worthy global partner it is willing to respect? Or will it retain acquaintences because it has few friends and needs as many as it can get? This article serves to bolster the insecurity that is inherent in the U.S. nationalist psyche, about it ever providing a belevolent influence in the world at large (apart from branded products and so-called popular culture -- i.e. pulp). This talk of international cultural dynamics is interesting but only from an American point of view it seems. America's greatest export (popular culture and way of life) is going the same way as England's greatest export (the English language). Soon, it will be used, changed and abused globally without regard for its creator's wishes and no amount of complaining or lawsuits will make a difference. American ideals will be adopted by the rest of the world but then they will be a part of a larger domain and outside and immune to American infuence. Believe this article if you wish, but it doesn't change a thing. Already, Europe is expanding rapidly, its population and wealth will soon exceed that of the U.S. Forget China, India, Japan and the Middle East. After centuries of war, Europe is uniting and on its way to becoming the dominant economic, cultural, military and creative power on the planet. Even more formidable is the forseeable alliance between Europe and Asia and North Africe, the co-called Eurasion block.
Underestimate at peril!
Losers?