Daily Erwin meme #1842

California would be in the best position to defeat any other single state. However they would be among the top targets throughout the country, not for political reasons (a state that chooses their battles based on culture war shit instead of actual strategy is gonna have a hard time) but bc of Cali’s industry, digital technology sector, food supply and valuable ports. Cali’s strengths would be its economic might, its population, and its position having a vast coastline to itself and not being flanked by any states that are likely to be offensively powerful. It’s weakness, other than its value as a target, is a total lack of strategic depth, and the likely fact that they would be among the easiest “strong states” to negotiate toward a relatively quick surrender just based on offering tolerable conditions.

Texas has the oil, respectably massive GDP and, as callous as it is to say, a potentially enormous fleet of low-cost mercenaries if they were quick at solicit infantry beyond the border (less luck after the war fully pops off and Mexico itself locks down travel). Texas also has valuable ports like Cali, and unlike Cali probably has the pride to grind its population to shreds for the chance at even a Pyrrhic victory. I would give better odds to TX if not for the unlikely but not implausible scenario in which, at the peak of war attrition and stressed supply lines, Mexico launches a surprise invasion from the south with the goal of reclaiming part of its old territory.

Hawaii and especially Alaska would be unlikely early targets, and—by quietly making a case that the continental United States is gonna be one scorched earth, either may be able to solicit a significant inflow of capital and relocations of military infrastructure and personnel. I could imagine other states recognizing the threat early on but—being already engaged on 3 or 4 sides—feeling that they can’t afford to divert substantial resources away from their frontlines. Alaska also has the oil and the harsh geography.

With some reasonable political and logistical strategy, and perhaps negotiating under-the-table assistance from Russia, I predict Alaska coming through with a surprise victory. And if not, then at least making it to the top 5.

/r/Animemes Thread Link - i.imgur.com