One thing seems very clear --------------- broad agreement that...

One thing seems very clear --------------- broad agreement that the USA is dying


that's probably the most important thing to note for Australia (and many others).

America is one way or another an empire - and, a dying empire leaves a space - that space will be filled

it would be complete stupidity to stick with a dying empire contesting for it's last gasps of life

We are a mere flea on the back of whatever the world power is ------------- make sure one chooses the right dog