Reversion from hegemony to multi-polar competitor was historically inevitable for the United States. Just as inevitable is the slow pace with which American's identity politics catches up to America's reduced role. The amount of empathy America has as individuals may no longer be able to match its capacity for political and policy empathy - in domestic and foreign spheres.

So, while I agree with the Author's contention that this mismatch in identity is being exploited, I would also argue the acrimony and social discord is as normal as it is unpleasant.