Based on historical trends, and according to the article, this isn't necessarily a decline but just a downward cycle. "Social cooperation waxes and wanes in mo

Based on historical trends, and according to the article, this isn't necessarily a decline but just a downward cycle. "Social cooperation waxes and wanes in most complex societies, following a long cycle. This is a generic pattern in not only our own society but also in ancient and medieval empires" Whether it is a decline or not depends on whether there are enough strong external enemies to destroy the US during the downturn.