An excellent summary of what's happening in the US and to a certain extent here in the UK (we still have mini-Trump in power as I write this). But I'm not sure if this is a distraction or an economic game play. Wars have always been a way out of economic woes. Either by taking things when winning or reducing population when losing (and often both at the same time). The pandemic didn't kill enough to make a difference but a big war can really go to town and make huge profits for the arms companies. It also gives a country an excuse to not keep to climate pledges and even increase the carbon output in the name of 'vital' arms production.

You are right that the money won't be spent on keeping US citizens alive as there is no money to be made from that. And an external war is much safer and cleaner for the rich than a civil war. This is why they keep egging each other on. Not wanting to be seen as the one who starts the conflict but happy to jump in once the fighting starts. It will only take one little accidental (or deliberate) skirmish for the war to begin. Russia is ready to roll over the Ukraine at a single word from Putin; who is to say who is goading him into saying it.