There are geopolitical strategies and currents being strengthened around the world now. Soon the US will be very dependent upon support from alliances, as their position will become tested. Surely, a prolonged period of economic weakness will be very dire for the US, as it will directly affect it's ability to effectively run it's military - through intervention and influencing US economic interests. It sure doesn't look like the US can expect "business as usual" in the not too far future...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_intensity_conflict
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_operations_other_than_war
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_generation_warfare
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asymmetric_warfare
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Cooperation_Organisation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Great_Game
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Geographical_Pivot_of_History
There comes a point where you need to ask if you want to define yourselves through conflict, struggle and mistrust - or try to construct strong relations that are sustainable for future mutual growth.
It might seem banal but diplomacy and international relations is somewhat similar to simplistic human social relations - of any relationship. You need to establish and show trust to be able to progress together in a relationship. It means that you do not exploit others in a predatory fashion, but show respect and give room for mutual growth. That is how you strengthen relations, avoid conflict - invest in the future.
This has happened between Europe and Russia to some extent with mutual investments and increased cross-border market activities. It has also started with Russia, India and Brazil through the Sukhoi PAK-FA project. Brazil has traditionally strong relations with several Arab nations, and export agricultural products. The US and Europe have a strong mutual relationship, but there are obvious signs that these ties have been weakened considerably. Not only has the political capital eroded by dwindling support from the European populations, but the economic ties have been expanded eastwards. This means a real weakening of the position of USA and it's influence. In Asia the reality now is that China is the important player in the region, with incredible continued economic growth. Taiwan quickly adopted their policies with stronger ties to China - being the traditional agile business-minds.
The recent credit crunch shows how confidence and outlook for the US is now all roses. Unless the US is able to adopt to changing realities and redefine itself - they will continue to face opposition and erosion of their influence, growth and future - resisting all your surroundings and environment is simply not sustainable. In the end you run out of resources and become beaten down.
Hopefully some new political leadership can usher in some new thoughts that are not in line with the old doctrine of domination, intervention and covert destabilization. There are short term profits for some corporations and interests through the pursuit of energy dominance, but unless you have trust - you don't have a free capitalist approach - but rather a predatory authoritarian approach. Again, it's not sustainable unless you take on all your surroundings.
If the rest of the world are strengthening their economic ties - you are really missing out on the growth opportunities. Military defence capability is vital for security - but business sense, diplomacy and mutual trust are the attributes that are rational and effective for a sustainable modern future.
Emerging markets have now emerged successfully, gained foothold, strength and will continue to grow - increasing international dependencies. Old conservative conflict doctrine is not in the best interest for a secure future, and younger leaders with more acute minds are needed for better approaches for investing in sustainability and mutual growth with more fair and balanced free markets.
Old established conservative families and corporations do really not have everyone's best interests in mind, but are fighting for their dominant survival... with their means of influence available to them, particularly political clout. They are not in favour of fair, balanced free markets or free trade because it erodes their power-base and grip on system deficiencies.