[quote=Theodorable]
I am somewhat inclined to join; but if we are playing nations akin to Southeast East, the Balkans or the Middle East -- we would be largely spectators to a conflict much larger than us.
[/quote]

Not really, those were the hot zones of major conflict for decades. I am not referring simply to military conflict but to political, ideological, and economic conflict. There are 5 major powers playing a large game here so war is not going to be simple or cut and dry since everyone wants a cut of the pie.