Thanks for the informative post. I do have one quibble though:
> Whether the current Chinese/Russian model of free markets but central strong political oligarchy without an ideological emphasis, versus the American model of free markets and free democracy with a strong ideology (leader of the free world), the viability of either models remains to be seem.
Neither of these models can accurately be described as consisting of "free markets". All three governments you mention exercise total control over their respective territories.
> Whether the current Chinese/Russian model of free markets but central strong political oligarchy without an ideological emphasis, versus the American model of free markets and free democracy with a strong ideology (leader of the free world), the viability of either models remains to be seem.
Neither of these models can accurately be described as consisting of "free markets". All three governments you mention exercise total control over their respective territories.