But you're seeing a lot in the details which may not be really there.

Nations (cultures, civilizations, religions, even corporations and social classes) sometimes pursue behavior independent of the needs or desires of the individuals that make them up. They have a mind of their own. Its almost as if collectives develop a consciousness of their own, one which is superimposed upon and only imperfectly and vaguely controlled by human intelligence and motives.

Much of what you're implying makes sense, but I think you overestimate the ability of human personality and intellect to direct history. Sometimes shit just happens, and things often work out in ways no one could have wanted or even anticipated.

If all that sounds like navel-gazing, I must confess it is. But I also think we exaggerate the importance logic and intelligence have in the shaping of history. Its more like a turbulent and chaotic waterfall than the laminar flow of a mighty river. And we all have the tendency to see sinister intricate conspiracies where in reality the conspirators themselves conspire against each other, and the "great minds" react spasmodically and intermittently.

Listen to Podrock, and read Frank Herbert. Review Mackinders' Geopolitics and his "Heartland Theory". Wheels within wheels.

Nice to see you here, JE.