Many years ago in his study of the capitalist world-economy, sociologist and world systems analyst, Immanuel Wallerstein pointed out a historical pattern. Whenever a core capitalist country makes its profits primarily in the military and finance, these are signs it’s on its way out. Conversely, a sign of a new core country on the rise has something to do with that country’s harnessing new energy or creating a technological breakthrough.
Today while the United States claims profits from dealing arms and investing in fictitious capital, China builds intercontinental trains. There is a world shift going on with China asserting new influence over West Asia and starting to have an influence on Europe. The handwriting is on the wall for the U.S. empire as it loses its influence over Europe and control over West Asia.
The cargo train travelled from eastern China through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, arriving in the Iranian capital Tehran. Photograph: Stringer/EPA
