Interesting model for the decline of great nations (Glubb) "The stages of the rise and fall of great nations seem to be: The Age of Pioneers (outburst) The Age of Conquests The Age of Commerce The Age of Affluence The Age of Intellect The Age of Decadence. Decadence is marked by: Defensiveness Pessimism Materialism Frivolity An influx of foreigners The Welfare State A weakening of religion. Decadence is due to: Too long a period of wealth and power Selfishness Love of money The loss of a sense of duty"

He posits that the process of collapse takes ~250 years. Each collapse is unique and likely due to external factors, but the process making the collapse possible is due similar internal factors.

Based on his model, the US is well into the age of decadence (frivolity, loss of duty/sacrifice, political fragmentation, welfare state, influx of foreigners, selfishness, love of money, etc.) "decadence is not physical... it's a moral and spiritual disease" that is so systematically pervasive, it's impossible to escape while remaining in it.