In response to the continued depression, countries across the globe try and protect themselves with tariffs and import restrictions. The actions were too late to battle the tidal wave of unemployment, uncertainty and unrest that had already killed the demand for trade. The U.S. retreats into an isolationist shell, as do most of the Western Democracies. Canada and the United Kingdom outwardly seem the least affected, but even they experience growing separatist movements within as the harsh winter winds pound their people.

With the void left on the world stage by the U.S., many regional hostilities are renewed. Global tensions mount. Border skirmishes become common. Typical of these was the series of clashes between Australia and Indonesia from July to October of 2007 over the wave of “boat people” refugees. The superior equipment and training of the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force prevailed, but it was far from being the last border war caused by refugees.

Feeble attempts by the United Nations to curb the growing hostilities between nations failed miserably. Faced with massive unrest and calls for emergency services at home, European countries with forces overseas in “peacekeeping” and humanitarian missions begin withdrawing them. The Third World is now on its own. The UN disintegrates as nations that once sent money and troops now could spare neither. On October 19th, by a margin of 148 Nations in favor, 26 Nations opposed (with 17 abstentions) the United Nations votes itself out of existence…

As domestic priorities and interests grow, organizations such as NATO receive fewer resources, and soon follow the fate of the UN as they are disbanded.