If that is the conclusion I think it is correct. It has been shown time and time again that countries become successful not by being productive as such, but by not being unproductive. The most important factors for success are:
1. Staying out of wars, disputes and conflicts. 2. Economic and social equality. 3. Functional society and industries.
Essentially all countries who do badly fail at that. They are involved in conflicts, they have hierarchical societies and their industries are administrative, rather than technological.
So now you might ask, what about the US? It is certainly involved in wars, have inequality and dysfunctional society. Right, but mainly for part of society. The middle class and upper middle class have mostly been spared from any effects of that, at least until recently. Which means that this part of society is very successful.
Essentially all countries who do badly fail at that. They are involved in conflicts, they have hierarchical societies and their industries are administrative, rather than technological.
So now you might ask, what about the US? It is certainly involved in wars, have inequality and dysfunctional society. Right, but mainly for part of society. The middle class and upper middle class have mostly been spared from any effects of that, at least until recently. Which means that this part of society is very successful.