"Under Russia, the most likely possibility is the European Union, but this hinges on the EU becoming a unified and closely integrated entity, which is clearly impossible," the sociologist continued his analysis. "So many countries, each with its own ideas, its own will, and most importantly, its own interests. Such a union, unless it undergoes a fierce war, with the victor suppressing all dissenting opinions, eliminating all separatists, and then maintaining suppression for at least three generations, about 100 years, could it possibly merge the EU into one entity."
"Eighty years ago, the EU actually had a chance to unite in this way, but now they have lost that opportunity. Let's talk again in a few hundred years."
"Next, let's talk about Fusang. This is a very magical country, with very magical people and culture. If Fusang and the United States were to swap geographical locations, this country would have likely become the world hegemon long ago."
"It is a pity that this country's land is too small, it is an island nation, and it has a behemoth beside it. Moreover, we still have our dog chains around its neck. Therefore, this country also has absolutely no chance."
"Their only chance was also 80 years ago, but unfortunately, they encountered us."
"So, finally, there is only one left. Regarding this country, I must admit that at least 10 years ago, my personal vision was too narrow, and I believed that this country would sooner or later collapse, and eventually split into at least three different political entities."
"But now, I have to admit that I was wrong. In fact, if one looks at this country objectively and rationally, one will discover that this is truly the chosen one."
"Firstly, this is the most populous country in the world, and 70% of its citizens have received systematic basic education, with 30% receiving higher education, possessing the foundation to develop all industries."
"Secondly, this country possesses the world's third-largest land area, and this land contains almost all the world's resources. Everything can be found on this land."
"Finally, it is the social system of this country. We once believed that this country, like Russia, would collapse on this point. But recent developments have forced us to admit that we were wrong. This system possesses a very strong social mobilization capability, and if this capability is used in the economic sphere, it can also push the entire country to its peak."
"In conclusion, I believe that this country currently has almost no weaknesses. The only problem is that our national strength is still far superior to theirs. Our existence is their greatest misfortune."
"But likewise, their existence is our greatest crisis. The only thing that can end our hegemony is this country."
"And this point has also been proven in the last 10 years. In 10 years, various real industries in this country have been undergoing crazy development. We even have to admit that this country already possesses a complete industrial chain."
"As many of you here are major figures in the real industry, I will not elaborate too much on how terrifying a complete industrial chain is. Currently, only three countries in the world possess a complete industrial chain, namely us, the European Union, and that country!"
"But I have recently had a discovery that makes me break out in a cold sweat from time to time."
"That is, we and the European Union have actually lost our complete industrial chains."
"This is something I accidentally discovered last year. Last year, in order to win the election next year, the White House decided to propose a lunar landing plan again to increase its votes. It commissioned me to conduct a preliminary survey to see how long it would take to send our astronauts to the moon again. Can we send people up before the general election next year?"
"Even if time is too tight, we should at least send our lunar rover to the moon, and then hold a live broadcast to boost morale."
"At first, I thought this task was not difficult. It was only after I spent three months completing the investigation that I was horrified to discover that this was a task that could not be completed at all. Because not to mention sending astronauts to the moon within two years, we can't even send a lunar rover."
At this point, there was a burst of whispering in the audience.
"I hear many people here find this answer incredible. After all, we sent our astronauts to the moon 44 years ago, and completed it six times. It is impossible that 44 years later, we can't do what our predecessors could already do."
"After all, we ourselves have witnessed rocket launches and seen real images of the moon on television. We should not be unable to complete these tasks now."
"Although it is regrettable, I must tell everyone that this is reality, because our lunar landing talents have suffered a cliff-like destruction."
"Although our country has achieved six lunar landings, these six landings were all completed within a four-year period, and the last one was 40 years ago."
"And more importantly, it was the same group of people who completed all this. They completed these same tasks in four years, and then there were no more such tasks for them to complete, so they had no need to pass on the relevant technology to their successors."
"And now, 40 years have passed. These people are either dead or have moved into nursing homes. They can no longer undertake such tasks. And their successors have never learned the relevant technology from scratch, so now, apart from some paper technical data, there are hardly any people in the entire space agency who can actually operate them!"
"Some people may think that complete technical data is sufficient, but these technical data also need to be learned and mastered from scratch, which would take at least six years to complete."
"In fact, we no longer have complete technical data. The most important part of the entire lunar landing plan is the Saturn V rocket, but the complete technical drawings of this rocket have all disappeared. I don't know how these drawings disappeared. Perhaps someone present knows, but it is certainly irreversible. So we still have to start developing related rocket technology from scratch!"
"And these are just technical difficulties. The greater difficulty lies in production and manufacturing."
"When the Apollo program was executed, a total of 36,000 companies in the United States provided supporting services for the entire program, and the Apollo program was realized in just 10 years."
"But now, 34,200 of these 36,000 companies have gone bankrupt and disappeared, leaving only 1,600 companies still alive. However, 1,232 of these companies have completely abandoned their original businesses. Now, they are more like contract manufacturers. They directly import cheap and high-quality parts from abroad, assemble them on their own production lines, and then affix their factory brand to become made-in-USA products."
"Throughout the three months of investigation, I spent two months researching how to complete the supplier substitution. But I still had to admit helplessly that out of all the parts, we could only produce less than 30% ourselves. The remaining 70% had to rely on imports."
"And even worse, among the products that we rely on for 70% import, 12% are things that we, even with massive investment, cannot produce. Only Chinese people can manufacture them, and we have to import them from them!"
"This forces me to admit one fact, that the United States has lost its complete industrial chain!"
"And the European Union..."
"Enough! Don't spread fear here!" someone slammed the table and rebuked, "What you are saying is nonsense. What do you mean we have lost our complete industrial chain? It's just that we disdain to produce it. As long as there is demand, with just a command, everything can start again, because the technology is in our hands, and the global talent is also in our hands. You are just trying to sow panic."
Following this rebuke, many others began to scold, all stating that the professor was spreading fear, which made the sociology giant sweat profusely, and he could only retreat back to his seat in embarrassment.
"Alright, everyone, please calm down. We are discussing this issue amicably. There is no need to get angry!" someone from the DuPont conglomerate laughed heartily and then said, "But Professor, you haven't answered my original question yet. I didn't ask you who would replace us, I just wanted to know how long our hegemonic position can be maintained?"
"Yes!" the professor could only stand up and continue with a bitter smile, "If it is China, then it will be a maximum of 50 years, at most 100 years, before the exchange of hegemonic positions. This is also a pattern I discovered from China's history. After a dynasty reaches its peak, its hegemonic position will last for at most another 150 years or so."
"This is because once a dynasty enters a golden age, various contradictions will continuously accumulate. Eventually, the contradictions will erupt, leading to complete destruction!"
"At least 50 years? That's long enough. At least I don't have to worry about this problem while I'm alive!" The patriarch of the DuPont family wore a smile, but no one could detect any joy in his voice.
"What about the others? What does everyone else think? Do you all believe that we only have 50-100 years left, and that China will replace us?" DuPont continued to ask, but for more than ten seconds, no one answered.
Because everyone present was extremely intelligent, they all understood that if all this happened, then it seemed only China could replace them.
"It seems that next, we need to discuss how to curb this country in the coming time..." Finally, DuPont revealed his true intentions and plans.
In fact, DuPont did not need a sociologist to answer this question. The think tanks within the DuPont conglomerate had already provided corresponding answers. He just needed a reason to initiate all subsequent targeted actions.
Just as DuPont was about to elaborate on his plan, someone suddenly stood up and said, "Distinguished gentlemen, I believe we may have overlooked another extremely important country. I believe this country is the future, and the one who could potentially replace our hegemonic position!"
"Who?" many people on the scene were surprised and asked in unison. They hadn't thought of any country that could replace them at that moment.
"Have you all forgotten? In Asia, there is also a vast country!"
"Which country are you trying to talk about?" Even DuPont couldn't help but urge.
"India!" This person said with absolute certainty.