Back in the 1980s, Reagan’s Star Wars program wasn’t just about missile defense—it was a chess move. The Soviets, already dealing with a crumbling economy, were forced into an arms race they couldn’t afford. The U.S. raised the stakes with futuristic-sounding technology, the USSR took the bait, and in the end, the whole system collapsed under its own weight.

Now Trump, who barely understands history beyond what fits into a campaign slogan, thinks he can run the same play. He wants an “Iron Dome for the world,” a missile shield so powerful it would make America untouchable. The goal? Convince China and Russia that they have to spend themselves into oblivion to counter it.

And of course, a big flashy project needs a name. Reagan had Star Wars, so Trump will need something just as ridiculous. Let’s see…

– Space Force 2.0: The Art of War – because every scam needs a sequel.
– Freedom Dome – because slapping “freedom” on things shuts down debate.
– The Trump Dome – the one he’d pick if he thought of it first.

But here’s the issue—this time, the strategy won’t work. China isn’t the USSR. China is an industrial powerhouse, with a manufacturing base that dwarfs America’s and a state-run economy that can redirect resources overnight. If Trump thinks he can bait China into economic overextension, he’s delusional.

Russia? They’ve seen this playbook before. The Kremlin knows the U.S. is trying to trap them in another arms race, and they’re not taking the bait. Instead of getting drawn into Trump’s game, Russia and China are getting closer, strengthening ties, and working on joint defense strategies.

And here’s the kicker—America is the one that can’t afford this fight. Reagan’s strategy worked because the U.S. economy was booming. Now? The U.S. is drowning in debt, bleeding money on endless wars, and losing global influence by the day. If anyone is at risk of collapse, it’s Washington, not Beijing.

Trump thinks he’s playing 4D chess, but he’s about to learn the hard way: The empire can’t run the same trick twice.

Book Recommendation:

Intelligent Warfare: Prospects of Military Development in the Age of AI by Mingxi Wu – because the next world war won’t just be fought with missiles, but with algorithms, machine learning, and autonomous decision-making systems. If you think the U.S. is ahead in this game, think again.