Bristoe, it is pretty clear for those who have an eye with which to see, we are moving further into the post-modern era.

after coming off WWII as the single big winner, we have placed our tentacles all over the world. but, it's been a long time since those tentacles were brand new, some are 65 years old, or even older.

newer tentacles are emerging from other corners of the Earth.

again, i'm afraid time is running out for a more "simplistic" outcome.