> It’s got to the point where in the absence of any new and compelling evidence, such claims have to be treated with a little scepticism. But there is constant

> It’s got to the point where in the absence of any new and compelling evidence, such claims have to be treated with a little scepticism. But there is constantly new and compelling evidence. In my opinion there are two factors. 1. Domestic economic and fiscal health; and 2. Foreign aid. US debt, consumer debt, student loan debt, and corporate debt are all at historic highs. Across the board there are defaults at historic highs and a general inability to service these debts at every level. In that period of 30 years you mention we have seen for the first time ever US cities and governments declare bankruptcy. But maybe even more important to maintaining global hegemony is foreign aid. That it’s paying foreign governments to make it worth their while to support the US dollar as the global reserve. Consider from 2001-2011 foreign aid exploded from $10B to $50B where it peaked and has plateaued and even slightly declined for the next 10 years (and in reality numbers aren’t even available for the last 2 years). It should come as no surprise the explosion in spending kept the US ahead of China, but since the US peaked China now outspends the US in foreign aid. It’s “keeping up with the Jones’” on a global scale.