And saving human civilization is how we remain indispensable. We cannot bomb our way to security in the twenty-first century. Instead, we must build … - Daniel Suarez

At issue is not whether the global economy will pass away. It is passing away. Rising populations and debt combined with depletion of freshwater sources and fossil fuel make the status quo untenable. The only question is whether civil society will survive the transition.

Instead of adapting, their leaders clung to power and strove instead to be the last ones to starve to death. The Mayan civilization in South America did the same, and I expect our own civilization will do likewise. The people behind the modern global economy will prevent any meaningful change until it’s too late.” The avatar looked to Sebeck. “But the question that needs to be answered is whether civilization’s inability to adapt is a failure of leadership — or an unwillingness in humanity itself.

As it stands, our patrols and bases are just targets, and the more firepower we use, the more enemies we make.