Pakistan's political instability is its greatest vulnerability, and a decline in U.S. power would reduce America's ability to aid Pakistan's consolidation and development.

A waning United States would likely be more nationalistic, more defensive about its national identity, more paranoid about its homeland security, and less willing to sacrifice resources for the sake of others' development.

America's decline would set in motion tectonic shifts undermining the political stability of the entire Middle East.

Zbigniew Brzezinski Quotes