I think the only thing stopping world war III at this point, is the RoW lack of stomach for it. No one wants it of course, but the US government is relying on that lack of desire to force countries to bow. I am not sure it is a good gamble at this point of human history.
What is certain, the current economy doesn't work for 99% of the global population, so it has to change, otherwise there will be revolution anyway. That might be better, but it will mean a lot of violence at all levels.