Very nice analysis.
From what I have heard/read, the Mexican drug cartels have really strong connections with the Chinese ad Russians. So, if Clayton’s scenario plays out, then the drug cartels and their pawns (street gangs) could be used as the SS in the southwestern United States. I think it is no secret that street gangs in California are all over state, and seemingly autonomous, but they certainly take orders from the cartels, and they are certainly “infiltrating” the government bureaucracy.
Although, I could have it reversed and the cartels might be on the side of the USA military; after all, they have been receiving training and other resources the USA military.
Prohibition gave us the gangsters… after Prohibition ended, many of the most bloodthirsty sociopaths went into government. The Kenedy family is a model of this career path into governent. Sooner or later, the drug prohibition will end whether by enlightenment or (more likely) by the forces of reality. The drug kingpins have already burrowed deeply into the power structure… with the end of drug prohibition, they will be well-positioned to become the next generation political class, subservient only to the ruling elites.
Clayton -