Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Clementine's avatar

What's your take on the idea that the U.S. government is naturally resilient to collapse because of its structure of sub-jurisdictions that each (generally) have a cohesive cultural, religious, demographic, and political identity? It seems like, outside of the worst areas, everyone would already be living under a government that would only have to expand a bit to fill the vacuum, and already carries legal legitimacy.

I'm far from bullish on the U.S. making a comeback, but aside from some completely deracinated and dysfunctional states (NY, IL, CA), I can't imagine that, say, Mainers, wouldn't have the collective civic pride to pull through. Texas may not be what it once was, but the parts of it that are still Texas will probably likewise outlast the U.S., and Florida (doubts about its present governor aside) is full of young, ambitious right-wingers with the skillset required to live in an expensive, high-demand area.

Beyond that, individual neighborhoods can be pretty tough. I remember those popup militias during the riots three years ago.

Expand full comment
1 more comment...

No posts