A big part of the issue is the ruling elite are no longer tied to the long term outcome of any singular county. That was the realization at the end of the 20th century. With enough money you can become a citizen of any country, go wherever you want and do whatever. You are a global elite who has more in common with someone of similar social status in another country versus a citizen of birth country.
Once this country declines they'll just move somewhere else laughing all the way to the bank.
So why not pilfer the richest nation on earth for short term gain? Why support politicians that might not act in your interest? When things start going downhill it's off to Europe or Asia.
That’s what I’ve been thinking in a while... basically the fall of the USSR and the end of Real Socialism experiments across the world have taken the fear of revolution away. All the social achievements of last century are seen as bonuses tipped off to keep the proles from revolting, and now it’s time to take them all back
Once this country declines they'll just move somewhere else laughing all the way to the bank.
So why not pilfer the richest nation on earth for short term gain? Why support politicians that might not act in your interest? When things start going downhill it's off to Europe or Asia.