A random theoretical question I asked a friend.

[Alex]

For what I thought was an off the cuff question I asked an American friend prompted a much lengthier discussion than I had anticipated, so I thought I'd ask it here.

The premise is that all the constituent states all go to war with each other. No alliances or assistance from outside nations, although those with borders to other countries can trade (as can countries that have access to the ocean).

Things to take into consideration might include the amount of light and heavy industry (if you don't have access to ball bearings, then you've lost. The single most important thing in keeping a modern military going) in each state as well as its natural resources, and population although curiously we didn't bring in what military bases each place had in it and access to freshwater supplies (especially for Texas and California). Although we mentioned that individual states might split into mini-civil wars over racial lines, we didn't really go deeply down that rabbit hole.

My own scenario had New York collapsing fairly quickly under internal pressures (an inability to feed itself primarily that saw it collapse into a citywide 'Escape From The Bronx' type scenario). Texas and California both did quite well despite some initial problems (both were wealthy enough to buy in the goods they required as well as having access to world trade). Alaska and Hawaii both survived more or less untouched, but were ultimately not able to contribute meaningfully to the conflict due to geographic concerns but ultimately none of them was who I put down as winning.

The person I asked had a number of regional power centres arising (Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Ohio), but no ultimate winner.

Anyway, what do other people think?

[RCMerchant]

It would be total chaos and anarchy. Maybe China or Russia would just waltz in.
It will never happen. Most folks stationed on military bases are not from the state they are based at. So that does nothing for the independent states.
Plus most folks just don't care.  Or too fat and lazy.

[Rev. Powell]

My own sense is that California would win. You did not mention whether states could form alliances with each other.

[LilCerberus]

One may also take into consideration, the conflict between the urban areas & the rural areas...

[RCMerchant]

One may also take into consideration, the conflict between the urban areas & the rural areas...

That won't happen either.
I mean, many rural folks voted for Trump, who was a spoiled rich brat from NYC.

[Allhallowsday]

My own sense is that California would win. You did not mention whether states could form alliances with each other.

Yes he did.  No alliances. 

California, New York, New Jersey are each well placed for international trade, with infrastructure to expedite shipment. 

[LilCerberus]

There's also the issue of where the labor unions have the strongest vs the weakest presence.....

As we've learned from the supply chain issues this year, part of the problem is the way labor unions on the west coast shut down massive upgrades that would've cost jobs, leaving ports in the southeast & Gulf Coast, which DID get these upgrades, to pick up the slack...

In addition, California's CARB laws, which favor big business and big labor, and have forced independent owner operators off the road....

Admittedly, our best ports may not be the best located, & a trip through Panama or around Cape Horn isn't cheap, but that's the situation we're in......

[Allhallowsday]

Einsteinian!       

All the states at war?  Ground zero.  Anarchy in the streets.  Martial law.  Civil unrest.  Panic at the disco.   

[Alex]

There's also the issue of where the labor unions have the strongest vs the weakest presence.....

As we've learned from the supply chain issues this year, part of the problem is the way labor unions on the west coast shut down massive upgrades that would've cost jobs, leaving ports in the southeast & Gulf Coast, which DID get these upgrades, to pick up the slack...

In addition, California's CARB laws, which favor big business and big labor, and have forced independent owner operators off the road....

Admittedly, our best ports may not be the best located, & a trip through Panama or around Cape Horn isn't cheap, but that's the situation we're in......

During times of war, these factors tend to be less of an issue as people as less likely to protest about them, and when they do the military tend to be used to force the issue and when they are in a full-on war, they tend not to have much sympathy for whinging civilians.

[LilCerberus]

There's also the issue of where the labor unions have the strongest vs the weakest presence.....

As we've learned from the supply chain issues this year, part of the problem is the way labor unions on the west coast shut down massive upgrades that would've cost jobs, leaving ports in the southeast & Gulf Coast, which DID get these upgrades, to pick up the slack...

In addition, California's CARB laws, which favor big business and big labor, and have forced independent owner operators off the road....

Admittedly, our best ports may not be the best located, & a trip through Panama or around Cape Horn isn't cheap, but that's the situation we're in......

During times of war, these factors tend to be less of an issue as people as less likely to protest about them, and when they do the military tend to be used to force the issue and when they are in a full-on war, they tend not to have much sympathy for whinging civilians.

True, but then the issue at hand would be civil war, thus entailing a feud between leaders who would or would not empower those who would hold back progress (or what some might believe goes against what they consider progress?)....

I'd have to go back to my first comment questioning whether or not cities, counties & other municipalities would remain in solidarity as occurred during the American Civil War with West Virginia & Fredericksburg, and is currently going on with Maryland & Oregon......

And some food for thought, during World War 1, the United States was mostly needed for manpower, but Woodrow Wilson was so busy with propaganda & jailing people who disagreed with his idea to join the Allies, that he didn't put much into logistics...
As a result, most US troops were using British & French planes, trucks & rifles when they entered the war.

[RCMerchant]

If Michigan ever turned Mad Max it would be a bunch of drunk meth head hillbillies running around with guns.
I wouldn't do nothing.
I would just rather watch!

Or not...! 

[HappyGilmore]

I mean, I live in Philly and we're all a bunch of scumbags.  Somehow we'd survive very, very long I'd suspect.

[RCMerchant]

I believe we all need each other.

Otherwise...whats the use?

[LilCerberus]

^Except me^

[RCMerchant]

^Except me^

You don't feel needed or loved by anybody in your life?  
Your fine, man. Don't sweat it.