When I am in need of some apocalyptic scenarios, I head straight to the economics threads. lol.
Not impossible, but not likely either. Although I have to say that a strategic and defence studies academic I met in the 90s told me the wars of the future will be over natural resources and water. It sure seems to be shaping up that way.
But engagement on many fronts? I can't see that right now but maybe I need to ponder further. What I do see is a highly complex set of scenarios unfolding given the volatile economic situation. China is also a complex place and as you point out, has various points of tension.
Australia is an important strategic site for the US for telecommunications purposes.
It seems inevitable that US military presence in northern Australia is going to become much more of a reality.
