Brief History of Western Globalization
Began when the Great Silk Road expanded into Middle East and Europe.

Expanded again when Spain built her American Empire.

What is new about recent expansion is Europe tried to enhance economic wellbeing
by the merger of cultures and nations into one legal entity.
The wealth creation at the top has been substantial.
Successful for 20 years from th fall of the Soviet Union beginning
in 1989 to the 2008 Great Recession.
Gains from Economic union began becoming a zero-sum game.
Economic gains took a back seat to nationalism because of open immigration policies.
Globalization was OK but the Nation State would be the legal entity.
Nations would again peruse their own agenda meaning geopolitical turmoil.

Turbulence from America's Fifty Year Populist Cycle Was Back!
Recent History
Mid 19th Century Civil War
Early 20th Century Populist  Movement
Mid 20th Century Counter Culture Movement
Now???

Cycle is US Governing Process
At times it is loud and unpleasant.
But it works itself out.

Current US Political Polarity
Causes
Failures of well educated, wealthy, experts who lost control of economy.
Low income and decreasing status of the white working class fueled populism.
Until society transcends these forces, constitution will continue.

1960's and 70's
The middle America vs. Counter Culture ended when middle America grew old and
members of the counter culture move on to other concerns.
Highly productive digital innovation replaced aging industry factors of production.

Major International Challenges for the 2020's

Future Crises in the Making

Europe and Russia Square Off

Chinese Challenges on the Horizon

Today, we wait for AI or genetic medicine or ... to ignite world economy.

Source: George Friedman on Wrath and Political Polarization 15 min video