[O1111OOO]

I wonder if the end of Russia as a world threat is something that benefits or hurts the US.

The US runs a trillion dollar war machine, a multi-trillion dollar military industrial complex. It needs to feed it. It needs enemies. At the very least, it needs a constant threat to justify its existence (even if it has to create those threats).

If Russia ceases to be a threat, does the US begin to hassle more countries? Does it increase the Police State, does domestic surveillance become more prevalent. Are we already seeing these things?

A legitimate Russian threat might actually be good for the world and the American people.

[tim333]

The US as a whole gets little benefit from spending a fortune on the military. It would probably be better off. That said there's still China.

[zombot]

> even if it has to create those threats

The US is great at creating its own threats. In addition, marketing chops are top tier, and Hollywood is always glad to help.

[O1111OOO]

Exactly. The War Machine may very well be too big to fail. It's connected to every facet of life as we know it... (today).